Else Beekman
After 3.5 months of closure due to the devastating effects of the Dana storm, Bonaire Shopping Centre in Aldaia has finally reopened. The mall is known for having its underground carparks totally flooded when it was full of cars. This much-anticipated reopening has attracted a large number of visitors eager to shop again in one of Valencia’s most important retail hubs.
Bonaire Shopping Centre has become a symbol of resilience, embracing the slogan “Beating Again” to mark its return. Some of the outdoor stores resumed operations in December, but this reopening sees nearly 100 of the 120 stores within the shopping gallery welcoming customers once again.
Many retailers have offered special gifts to the first shoppers through their doors to celebrate the occasion. Some have displayed signs reading “Thank you for coming back,” demonstrating gratitude for the community’s continued support.
A gradual return to full capacity
Although the majority of stores have reopened, some brands, including Mango, Druni, Pandora, Primark, and Rituals, will take a few more weeks to resume operations. The Tendam group, which includes Cortefiel and Women’s Secret, also remains temporarily closed but is expected to reopen within the next month.
On the other hand, major brands such as Zara, Lefties, Massimo Dutti, H&M, Herbolario Navarro, Parfois, Scalpers, and JD Sports are already up and running. Additionally, Miniso has attracted long queues as customers eagerly explore the store for the first time since the storm.
A promising start for retailers
The reopening has been met with excitement, as hundreds of shoppers visited the centre in the early hours. Many businesses hope this momentum will continue, especially after months of economic uncertainty following the storm. Retailers are optimistic that Bonaire will regain its status as a leading shopping destination in the region.
@policia
Bonaire shopping centre on the 29th of October
Besides the damage on the ground floor, especially the parking area, it had become one of the most challenging rescue sites following the catastrophic storms. For days the National Police and the Spanish Military Emergency Unit (UME) supported by parachute engineers and drones had to work continuously to reduce water levels within the car park. Authorities feared that dozens of people had been caught off guard in the underground garage in their attempt to save their cars from the havoc.
Fake news about the death toll in the Bonaire parking
The expansive indoor parking area at Bonaire spans approximately 2,000 square metres. During the peak of the flooding, the parking contained an estimated 200 million litres of water. These staggering figures contributed to the spread of persistent fake news in the aftermath of the disaster. Misinformation circulated widely, including exaggerated claims that 250 victims had been discovered in the car park and that 700 unvalidated parking tickets suggested missing persons. However, Bonaire’s parking facility is free of charge, rendering the ticket claim baseless. Moreover, authorities swiftly confirmed that no fatalities had occurred there.