The tragedy in Spain gives no respite. Rescue and recovery efforts intensify in the south-east of the country this Friday, ironically All Saints’ Day, as Valencia braces for more torrential rain and alert levels remain high across the country. At least 158 people have died in the flash floods, as the search continues for survivors and the bodies of other victims. The regional authorities assure that the number of missing people would be around 250, as published by the Times, which opens its digital edition with the catastrophe. Several areas of the provinces of Valencia and Castellón, as well as the south of Tarragona, are under orange alert from Aemet, the Spanish meteorological agency.
In Andalusia, Aemet raised the red alert in the Atlantic coastal area of Huelva, as a strong waterspout flooded part of its capital and surrounding areas. A tornado hit the fishing port of Isla Cristina, near the Portuguese border. Families are evacuated from some areas of Jerez de la Frontera.
In the storm-hit area, which covers about a third of Spain in the south and east, 140 roads are blocked by flooding and debris, while 40,000 homes are without electricity.
Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city and capital of the most directly affected area, will not have its train services, including AVE fast trains to Madrid, for weeks.
Amparo Fort, mayor of Chiva, west of Valencia, expressed despair on national public radio: “We continue to ask for food, water… There are children, elderly people… and they can’t cope with sandwiches. We need of baby milk, baby food. “Entire houses have disappeared, we don’t know whether with people or without people.”
Nearly 2,000 military personnel arrived to help in the rescue effort. Dozens of people are still missing. In the City of Justice of Valencia, autopsies are being carried out on more than 100 bodies. So far only 14 have been formally identified.
The Valencian government took over the city’s Congress Palace to use as an additional mortuary. Authorities fear that many more bodies will be discovered as underground car parks are emptied.
Interview between the Time.News Editor and Dr. Elena Martinez, Disaster Response Expert
Time.News Editor: Good afternoon, Dr. Martinez, and thank you for joining us during this incredibly difficult time for Spain. The situation with the flash floods has been devastating, to say the least. Can you give us an overview of the current state of rescue and recovery efforts?
Dr. Elena Martinez: Good afternoon, and thank you for having me. Yes, the situation is indeed very tragic. As you mentioned, the southeast of Spain, especially areas in Valencia and Castellón, has been severely affected. As of now, rescue efforts are ongoing, focusing on both finding survivors and recovering the bodies of those who sadly did not make it. The regional authorities are working tirelessly, but the scale of the disaster makes these efforts extremely challenging.
Time.News Editor: We’ve seen reports of at least 158 fatalities, with estimates indicating around 250 people are still missing. What factors have contributed to such a high number of victims?
Dr. Elena Martinez: Several factors come into play here. First and foremost, the intensity and suddenness of the flash floods caught many off guard. Though there were alerts, people often underestimate the potential impact. Moreover, the region’s infrastructure is not always equipped to handle such extreme weather events, leading to quicker and more devastating flooding. Compounding this issue is the ongoing climate change crisis, which has made storms more unpredictable and severe.
Time.News Editor: Ironically, this is occurring on All Saints’ Day, a day of remembrance. How do communities begin to heal and remember those they’ve lost in the wake of such a tragedy?
Dr. Elena Martinez: This is indeed a poignant coincidence. Remembrance plays a crucial role in the healing process. Communities often come together to hold vigils and memorials, which can foster a sense of solidarity and shared grief. Emotional support is vital during such times, and local authorities and organizations should focus not only on physical recovery but also on mental health resources for those directly affected by the tragedy.
Time.News Editor: Speaking of the authorities, what can be done moving forward to better prepare for such disasters in the future?
Dr. Elena Martinez: Preparedness and resilience are key. Authorities need to invest in infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather, improve early warning systems, and provide training for emergency responders. Community education is also pivotal—residents need to know how to respond to alerts and have plans in place to ensure their safety. Additionally, reviewing land use and urban planning in flood-prone areas can help mitigate future risks.
Time.News Editor: Thank you, Dr. Martinez, for your insights during this difficult time. As we follow the unfolding story, we hope for a swift recovery for those affected in Spain.
Dr. Elena Martinez: Thank you for having me. Let’s continue to keep those affected in our thoughts and work towards a more resilient future.