At least 217 people have died and hundreds are still missing in Valencia and other parts of eastern Spain after flash floods caused by the “cold fall” phenomenon a few days ago.
Today, the local government of Catalonia warned of “continuous and torrential” rain in two areas, asking citizens to avoid travel and stay away from streams and valleys. The weather service had issued a warning this morning as storms and heavy rain hit Spain’s second largest city.
The terminal building of El Prat Airport also appears to be under water, with many flights canceled and others diverted to land at other airports.
Transport Minister Oscar Puente said that the airport management company Aena diverted 15 flights due to land at El Prat airport this morning due to the storm that affected the region. The operation of Catalonia’s suburban trains has been suspended, he said in a post on his Platform X account.
7,500 troops in flood-hit areas – Anger grows
Meanwhile, the Spanish government announced it was deploying 7,500 troops to the eastern region hit by devastating floods, amid growing discontent over its response to the disaster.
The army sent about 5,000 troops over the weekend to help distribute food and water, clear streets and protect shops and property from looting. Another 2,500 will join them, Defense Minister Margarita Robles told RNE public radio.
A warship carrying 104 infantry soldiers of the PN as well as food and water trucks enters the port of Valencia even as the storm hits Barcelona about 300 km to the north.
Rescue crews were searching for bodies today in underground garages, including a 5,000-car car park in the Bonaire shopping center near Valencia airport, as well as estuaries where bodies may have been washed up. A little while ago, the radio station Cadena Ser reported, citing the national police, that the rescuers have not yet found dead people in the underground car park of the mall.
The death toll from Spain’s worst flash floods reached 217 yesterday, Sunday, almost all of them in the Valencia region and more than 60 in the suburb of Paiporta.
Residents’ anger focused on late warnings from authorities about the risk of flooding and what was seen as a delayed response by emergency services.
On Sunday, residents of Paiporta threw mud at Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and King Felipe and his wife Queen Letitia, shouting: “murderers, murderers”.
Due to heavy rain on Tuesday and Wednesday, rivers overflowed, roads flooded and the ground floor of buildings and cars and parts of freeways were swept into mudflows.
It was the worst natural disaster involving flooding in Europe in the past five decades.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Flood Disaster Expert
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today to discuss the ongoing crisis in eastern Spain due to the recent flash floods. It’s truly heartbreaking, with at least 217 confirmed deaths and many more missing. How are weather phenomena like the “cold fall” contributing to such extreme weather events?
Flood Disaster Expert: Thank you for having me. The “cold fall” phenomenon occurs when cold air masses interact with warm, moist air, leading to sudden and intense rainfall. In the case of Spain, these conditions were exacerbated by climate change, which is making extreme weather more frequent and severe. The combination can easily overwhelm drainage systems and lead to flash floods, as we’ve seen in Valencia and other regions.
Time.news Editor: The local government of Catalonia has warned citizens to avoid travel and stay away from streams and valleys. What preventive measures can communities take to mitigate the impact of such natural disasters?
Flood Disaster Expert: It’s crucial for communities to have robust emergency preparedness plans in place. This includes timely warnings through effective communication systems to alert the public of impending weather events. Additionally, community awareness programs can educate citizens on the risks of flooding and appropriate responses, such as having emergency kits ready and knowing evacuation routes. Infrastructure improvements, like enhancing drainage systems and creating retention basins, are also vital.
Time.news Editor: We’ve learned that El Prat Airport is affected, with many flights canceled or diverted. How do such disasters impact transportation infrastructure on a larger scale?
Flood Disaster Expert: Disasters like these place immense strain on transportation networks. Airports can face significant operational disruptions, leading to economic consequences, as seen with El Prat. Beyond immediate impacts such as flight cancellations, long-term infrastructure can suffer significant damage. This can take weeks or even months to repair, further inconveniencing travelers and affecting local economies that rely on tourism and business travel.
Time.news Editor: The Spanish government has deployed 7,500 troops to assist in recovery efforts, with anger growing over the response to the disaster. How important is a government’s response in the aftermath of such crises?
Flood Disaster Expert: Government response is critical during and after a disaster. It affects public safety, the speed of recovery, and the effectiveness of resource distribution. Swift and coordinated action can save lives, as we’ve seen with the deployment of military personnel for logistics support. However, transparency and communication are also essential. If citizens feel their needs are not being met or that the response is inadequate, it can lead to frustration and distrust, complicating recovery efforts.
Time.news Editor: with climate change being a significant factor in the increasing severity of natural disasters, what long-term changes must be made to prevent such tragedies in the future?
Flood Disaster Expert: Addressing climate change requires global cooperation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. On a local level, cities need to invest in sustainable infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather, such as green roofs, permeable pavements, and expanded green spaces to handle heavy rainfall. Moreover, integrating climate resilience into urban planning will be vital in mitigating risks. Education and community engagement play critical roles in preparing populations for adapting to changing climates.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights today. It’s clear that tackling both the immediate fallout from such devastating floods and the underlying issues linked to climate change will require concerted efforts from all levels of society.
Flood Disaster Expert: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this critical issue. It’s vital we continue these conversations as we work towards a more resilient future.