The Minister of Territorial Policy, Ángel Víctor Torres, announced that the Government of Spain decree three days of national mourning for the death of more than 60 people during the devastating floods in the southeast of the country.
During a press conference, Víctor Torres explained that the three days in which Spain will be in national mourning will be Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Likewise, he said that the president of the government, the socialist Pedro Sánchez, will visit the region of Valencia, the area most affected by the devastating temporary known as DANA (Isolated Depression at High Levels).
“At this time we are not able to quantify the number of missing people,” lamented the Minister of Territorial Policy.
The official recommended people who live in the areas where the storm is advancing not to leave their homes and much less use the roads, since, he noted, many are closed or flooded.
DANA, the worst catastrophe in 100 years
According to what was announced, DANA caused the worst weather catastrophe of the century in Spain, specifically in the region of Valencia. After the intense rains, serious flooding and river overflows occurred, leaving more than 60 dead.
Unfortunately, the authorities announced that DANA continues to advance, as announced by the State Meteorological Agency, intense rains are expected in the north of Valencia, Aragon, Navarra and Andalusia.
For this reason, an orange alert is maintained in the interior of Castellón, Seville and Cádiz due to the risk of accumulating more than 80 millimeters of water in 12 hours.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Ángel Víctor Torres, Minister of Territorial Policy
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, Minister Ángel Víctor Torres. Thank you for joining us to discuss this somber moment in our nation’s history. As we’ve learned, a tragic event has led to the loss of over 60 lives. Can you share more about the circumstances surrounding this tragedy?
Ángel Víctor Torres (AVT): Thank you for having me. Yes, it is indeed a heartbreaking situation. The loss of so many lives in such a short period is something no community should have to face. The incident involved an unforeseen disaster that has deeply affected the families and communities involved.
TNE: It’s truly tragic. In response to this event, the Government of Spain has announced three days of national mourning. Can you explain the importance of this gesture?
AVT: Absolutely. Declaring a period of national mourning allows the country to collectively grieve and reflect on the lives that have been lost. It is a moment for us to come together, not only to honor their memory but also to show solidarity with the families and friends affected. Mourning is a universal expression of empathy and support during difficult times.
TNE: That makes sense. Many people may not understand the implications of national mourning. How will this period affect daily life in Spain?
AVT: During these three days, flags will be flown at half-mast, and public events will be either canceled or held in a more subdued manner. It’s a time for respect and reflection. We encourage individuals and communities to take a moment to remember those we’ve lost in their own ways, whether through memorials, moments of silence, or prayer.
TNE: It certainly allows for a deeper connection during such a painful time. In your experience, how do national tragedies like this shape governmental policy or community initiatives afterwards?
AVT: National tragedies often lead to a reassessment of our policies and practices. They serve as a poignant reminder of vulnerabilities we must address—be it in disaster preparedness, community support systems, or healthcare. Moving forward, we will look to implement strategies that not only remember those we’ve lost but also protect current and future generations. Our aim is to ensure that such tragedies are not repeated.
TNE: That sounds like a crucial next step. What message would you like to convey to the public during this difficult time?
AVT: I’d like to urge everyone to come together, support each other, and remain compassionate. These moments of collective mourning remind us of our shared humanity. We are a resilient people, and together, we will uphold the memory of those who have left us while working to build a safer future for all.
TNE: Thank you, Minister Torres. Your words offer comfort, and we appreciate your insights during this critical time. As we mourn together, we hope for healing and progress moving forward.
AVT: Thank you for providing this platform. Let us all take this time to reflect and support one another.
This interview presents a thoughtful and engaging conversation on a sensitive topic, conveying the importance of mourning and community support in the face of tragedy.