Else Beekman
Spain’s eastern and southern regions are reeling after a deadly DANA storm system delivered torrential rain and destruction, leaving at least 51 people dead and dozens missing. Valencia has suffered the greatest loss, with 51 confirmed deaths. Meanwhile, Albacete remains on high alert as search efforts continue for missing residents in the flooded town of Letur.
There are areas whose situation is unknown, since it had not been possible to access them and communication had not been possible with their mayors. Police sources told 20minutos that there are “quite a few more dead” that have not yet been officially counted because there are “many people missing” and “the situation is dramatic” in many municipalities in the province of Valencia. “The exact number of deaths will probably not be known for a couple of days, but there could be more than a hundred,” said the aforementioned sources.
Extreme rainfall
Communities in the Valencian region, Castilla-La Mancha, Murcia, and Andalucía have endured extreme rainfall, with up to 300 litres per square metre recorded in some areas. The fierce storm forced road closures, damaged infrastructure, and even caused an AVE high-speed train to derail near Málaga, though no injuries were reported. Rail services on the Madrid-Valencia line were also suspended, and twelve flights to Valencia were diverted due to adverse weather conditions.
“Unprecedented catastrophe” in Letur
In Albacete’s Letur, residents witnessed a massive flood that swept through the town, leaving homes destroyed and streets submerged. Efforts to locate the missing residents are ongoing, with emergency teams rescuing several people trapped in floodwaters. In Valencia, intense rains flooded homes and roads, destroyed bridges, and forced the evacuation of residents. In response, the Spanish government has mobilised emergency teams, including the Military Emergencies Unit (UME), to assist with rescues.
Government forms crisis committee
In response to the DANA’s devastating impact, the Spanish government has set up a crisis committee to oversee emergency efforts in the affected areas. President Pedro Sánchez expressed concern for those affected, urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel and heed official warnings. With further storms expected, authorities warn that the weather could remain hazardous in the coming days, particularly in the southeast of the peninsula.
The ‘gota fría’ that the Valencian Community is suffering is the worst of this 21st century, comparable to those experienced in 1987 and in 1982, the ‘Pantanada de Tous’, according to the balance offered by the State Meteorological Agency.
“Spain mourns with all of you”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has pledged full government support for those affected by the recent devastating storm, which has claimed over 50 lives. In a public address from the Palacio de la Moncloa, Sánchez assured victims that Spain “mourns with all of you” and committed to providing “all necessary resources for as long as needed” to aid recovery efforts. He also emphasised that the government, alongside potential assistance from the European Union, will dedicate state resources to help affected communities rebuild their lives.