In the aftermath of the devastating DANA storm, which left vast parts of eastern Spain in ruins, rescue teams are racing against time to locate at least 250 missing persons who vanished in the torrents and rising floodwaters on 29 October.
With each passing hour, hope fades for the families of the missing, as they wait for news in growing anguish. SOS Desaparecidos, a missing persons association, is urging the public for assistance in locating several individuals whose whereabouts remain unknown.
Trapped in vehicles or swept away in sudden currents
The storm’s intense rains trapped dozens in their vehicles and swept others away in sudden, powerful currents. Among the missing are Eva López de las Heras from Torrent, Ramón Bedmar Cano from Alfafar, and three members of the Mora family—Jesús, Javier, and Emeterio—last seen in Chiva’s Canaleja ravine. Others include Jorge Garrido, Nizan Garrido, and Raquel Pagán, who disappeared along the route between Aldaia and Calicanto, as well as Cándido Molina Pulgarin in Cheste.
Separated families during the storm
The distressing stories of families separated during the storm continue to emerge. María Adela Rodríguez, 62, a resident of Montserrat, went missing on her way home from work in Beniparrell. Meanwhile, Susana Vidal remains in the dark about her husband José Javier Vicent, 56, and their 30-year-old daughter, Susana Vicent, who has Down syndrome. The two were last seen at a family home in Pedralba before the storm hit.
Tragedy also struck in Sot de Chera, a small town in the Serranos region. The storm’s relentless rains led to the collapse of a four-story building, claiming the life of a four-year-old boy. His father remains missing, adding to the heartbreak felt across the region.
Four prominent Valencian businessmen among missing persons
Four prominent Valencian businessmen are among those missing. The missing individuals include Miguel Burdeos, president of The SPB; Vicente Tarancón, president of Luanvi; Antonio Noblejas, economist and former director of EDEM; and José Luis Marín, owner of Siglo XXI Schools, which operates the Mas Camarena group. All four are closely connected to Juan Roig, president of Mercadona. Their last known whereabouts were near Cheste on Tuesday afternoon after a lunch meeting in Chiva. However, it remains unclear if they travelled together or in separate vehicles. The families of these influential figures, along with the Valencian business community, anxiously await any updates on their location.
Authorities are calling for vigilance from those in affected areas, encouraging the public to report any information that might help bring closure to the families of the missing.