The Integrated Operational Coordination Center of the Valencian Community has reported an increase in the death toll to 92 due to the severe flooding triggered by the Isolated Depression in High Levels (DANA) in Spain. Additionally, three more fatalities have been recorded: two in Castilla-La Mancha and one in Andalusia.
According to Cope, the process of recovering and identifying the victims is ongoing. Meanwhile, approximately 104,000 residents remain without electricity, and 23,700 are without gas in the Valencian Community alone. The media outlet also reported that around 1,200 individuals are still stranded on parts of the A-3 and A-7 highways, with about 5,000 vehicles immobilized due to the floods in Valencia province, as stated by the Civil Guard.
The Civil Guard strongly advises against any non-essential travel and emphasizes the importance of adhering to official instructions. The Valencian Government has made a hotline available at 900365112 for inquiries regarding missing persons.
Ongoing Rescue Efforts Amidst Infrastructure Collapse
Rescue operations have persisted since last night, with emergency teams grappling with challenging conditions caused by widespread road collapses and telecommunication failures. The Civil Guard shared on social media platform X that significant efforts are also underway in Albacete: "We continue search operations for missing persons in Letur (Albacete) and terrain assessment."
Scenes of Devastation and Calls for Caution
The aftermath of DANA has resulted in extensive destruction: vehicles swept away by torrents, collapsed bridges, extreme rescue conditions, and material damages estimated in the millions of euros. Social media is flooded with images of people seeking refuge in high places to escape the rising waters.
The situation has been labeled "exceptional" by the State Meteorological Agency, drawing comparisons to the historic storms of 1987 and 1982, including the catastrophic "Pantanada de Tous" in the region. The rainfall accumulated in 24 hours reached 445.4 l/m², marking the highest recorded level in the Valencian Community since 1966, as per the initial report from AEMET on X.
Government Response and Expressions of Solidarity
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez addressed the nation, offering condolences to the families of the victims and affirming that "all public administrations are coordinating their resources to aid those affected." Sánchez assured that Spain would leverage all available resources, including potential assistance from the European Union, for the reconstruction of the devastated areas.
In the face of this tragedy, which ranks as the third largest natural disaster in the country's history, the government has declared three days of official mourning. Furthermore, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced the activation of the Copernicus satellite system to assist in coordinating rescue efforts and monitoring the flood situation in real time.