In a tragic turn of events, at least 64 individuals have lost their lives in Spain due to a severe weather phenomenon known as DANA (Isolated Depression in High Levels). The storm has primarily battered the regions of Valencian Community and Castilla-La Mancha. According to official reports, 62 fatalities occurred in the Valencian Community, while two more were reported in Letur, Albacete, within Castilla-La Mancha.
Urgent Rescue Operations Underway in Valencian Community
The situation remains dire, with numerous people still unaccounted for, particularly in the provinces of Valencia, Letur, and Cuenca. The Generalitat Valenciana has established a helpline at 900365112 for inquiries about missing persons. Rescue teams have been tirelessly operating throughout the night and into the morning, contending with collapsed roads and disrupted telecommunications.
José Miguel Basset, head of the provincial fire department in Valencia, stated that hundreds are still stranded on highways A-3 and A-5, with access to affected areas proving extremely challenging. In response to the crisis, the government has set up a crisis committee, and Valencian Community President Carlos Mazón convened a meeting at dawn to coordinate rescue and relief efforts.
Scenes of Destruction and Official Warnings
Pilar Bernabé, the government delegate in the Valencian Community, emphasized the necessity of avoiding road travel due to the severe conditions, stating, "This is not a recommendation, it's a necessity." Major roads in the province are blocked, with many secondary routes also rendered impassable.
The aftermath of the DANA has been catastrophic, with vehicles swept away, bridges destroyed, and emergency rescues conducted under extreme conditions. Estimated damages run into millions of euros. Social media has been flooded with images of people seeking higher ground to escape the deluge.
Military and Government Response to the Disaster
The State Meteorological Agency described the situation as "exceptional," likening it to historic storms from 1987 and 1982, including the devastating "Pantanada de Tous." Rainfall reached a record 445.4 l/m² in 24 hours, the highest since 1966 in the region, according to AEMET's initial report on social media platform X.
The Military Emergency Unit (UME) has deployed over 1,000 personnel in Valencia to assist with rescue and evacuation efforts, facing significant challenges in reaching the hardest-hit areas. The Legal Medicine Institute of Valencia has mobilized nine forensic teams to identify victims and recover bodies, with autopsies set to take place in Valencia's City of Justice.
Government Measures and International Support
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez addressed the nation, expressing solidarity with the victims' families and ensuring that "all public administrations are coordinating their resources to assist those affected." Sánchez also mentioned that Spain would seek assistance from the European Union if needed for rebuilding devastated areas.
Moreover, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, announced the activation of the Copernicus satellite system to aid in rescue coordination and real-time flood monitoring.
Transportation Halted Amid Maximum Alert
The Directorate-General of Traffic and transportation authorities reported that over 60 roads remain closed, and the AVE Madrid-Valencia service has been suspended indefinitely due to dangerous weather conditions. The Generalitat has issued alerts via the Es-Alert system, urging the public to avoid unnecessary travel.
King Felipe VI expressed his "sorrow and sadness" over the tragedy affecting the Valencian Community and other affected regions. He conveyed condolences to the victims' families and emphasized the importance of staying calm and adhering to official guidelines.