October 31, 2024

Global

62 Dead in Flash Floods in Eastern Spain as Valencia Faces Torrential Rains

Kaumimarg Bureau / IANS | October 30, 2024 07:30 PM

Madrid:  At least 62 people have died in the eastern Spanish province of Valencia after torrential rains triggered flash floods late Tuesday, according to regional authorities. The disaster has caused widespread disruption and significant loss of life, leaving several areas devastated.

Flooding Devastates Valencia and Surrounding Regions
Since the authorities declared a red alert for torrential rains, many residents have gone missing, and heavy flooding has swept away vehicles, disrupted rail services, and cut off major roads. Images on El País and Cadena SER show flooded streets, rivers overflowing, and a bridge across the Magro River washed away by the force of the water.

The heavy rains, known locally as "DANA", have caused severe damage throughout Valencia and the Castellón province, with government officials issuing warnings about further risks. The phenomenon of DANA (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos) occurs when cold air fronts meet the warm waters of the Mediterranean, triggering intense downpours and storms.

"Valencia Dana" has been trending across Spanish media outlets like El Mundo and Onda Cero Directo.
The AEMET weather service issued storm alerts, predicting more rain over the coming days.
Government Response and Crisis Management
Around 1, 000 members of the Spanish Military Emergency Unit have been deployed to assist in rescue operations. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced an emergency cabinet meeting on Wednesday to assess the situation and coordinate relief efforts.

Carlos Mazon, president of the Valencian regional government, expressed deep concern:

"These are very complicated hours for families and for the missing people. We fear the number of victims will rise, as many affected areas remain inaccessible."

At the opening of the Spanish Congress, parliament speaker Francina Armengol called for a minute of silence in honor of the flood victims. Meanwhile, Pilar Bernabé, the government delegate for Valencia, warned residents:

"It is vital and necessary that people avoid traveling by road in Valencia and Castellón provinces."

Over 50 roads have been cut off, and the high-speed train line between Madrid and Valencia has been damaged, with services suspended since Tuesday afternoon.

Impact on Valencia and Beyond
The torrential rains have caused severe disruptions across the region. In Madrid, heavy rainfall has raised concerns about the possibility of further DANA-related flooding, with forecasts predicting showers in Albacete and Chiva. The DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) has warned drivers to check the state of the roads before traveling.

In Valencia, inundaciones (floods) have impacted several towns, including Chiva, where access remains limited. The Valencia Dana última hora updates continue to dominate the headlines in noticias hoy and other news portals like Onda Cero and El País.

Conclusion
The DANA en Valencia has caused widespread devastation, with 62 dead and more casualties feared as rescue operations continue. The flooding in Valencia serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of nature, leaving the government and residents scrambling to recover from one of the worst temporal events in recent history.

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