Numerous Cuban artists have extended messages of support following the catastrophic floods in Spain, which have tragically claimed over 90 lives, predominantly in Valencia. Rapper Yotuel shared, "Today, I stand with you in your pain and sorrow for the devastation you've endured. Witnessing your streets, homes, and hearts wounded is heartbreaking. My heart goes out to each of you, to the families who have lost loved ones, and to friends supporting each other in these difficult times. Stay strong, Valencia."
Comedian Ulises Toirac also expressed his solidarity with the victims affected by the DANA (Isolated Depression at High Levels) in regions like Valencia and Albacete. "It's heading towards Barcelona. There are several friends, both Cuban and Spanish, enduring this nightmare..." he noted.
Messages of Condolence from Gente de Zona
The duo Gente de Zona, who have performed in Valencia multiple times, conveyed their condolences for the tragic losses. "I'm saddened by the hardships you're facing at this moment," said Alexander Delgado. He further lamented, "What challenging times we are living through! First, it was José, then Cuba without power and the daily struggles under that oppressive regime, followed by Guantánamo and the cyclone that destroyed what little they had, and now our brothers in Valencia, Spain, with this catastrophe."
Randy Malcom added, "Stay strong, and my prayers are with you all."
Arturo Sandoval and Images of Destruction
Renowned trumpeter Arturo Sandoval described the images from Valencia as "terrifying." He commented, "May God have mercy and help you overcome this natural disaster."
On Wednesday, a Cuban resident in Spain shared his harrowing escape from the destruction in Valencia caused by the recent floods. José Delgado recounted that on Tuesday at 5:20 am, as his children were driving him from Valencia to Madrid for a trip to Cuba, the initial drizzles began to fall. "My children are still stuck at a gas station, but they are safe and sound because entering Valencia is still not allowed," revealed José, who is now back in his hometown Gibara. "Thank God my family hasn't suffered any harm," he emphasized.
The Aftermath of DANA
By Wednesday afternoon, the Integrated Operational Coordination Center of the Valencian Community had raised the death toll to 92 due to the intense flooding caused by the DANA in Spain. Additionally, there have been three other fatalities: two in Castilla-La Mancha and one in Andalucía. According to Cope, around 104,000 people remain without electricity, and 23,700 are without gas, just in the Valencian Community alone.
The Guardia Civil reported that another 1,200 individuals are still trapped in various locations on the A-3 and A-7, with approximately 5,000 vehicles stranded by the floods in Valencia province. Rescue operations have been ongoing since Tuesday night, with emergency teams tackling a complicated situation due to numerous road collapses and telecommunications failures.
The DANA's impact has left a trail of devastation: vehicles swept away by the currents, destroyed bridges, extreme rescue efforts, and material damages estimated in the millions of euros. Social media is awash with images of people seeking refuge in high places to escape the floods.