The Bonaire Shopping Centre in Aldaia, Valencia, now stands as a stark reminder of the devastation caused by the DANA storm. Once a bustling hub, it has been transformed into a surreal landscape filled with shattered glass, torn doors, and piles of merchandise swept from stores.
The central plaza, usually teeming with shoppers, is now choked with debris. Items from the supermarket are mixed with a thick layer of sludge. But the most haunting sight is the submerged underground parking. It is filled almost to the ceiling with murky water, raising fears that victims may still be trapped below.
“Within minutes everything was floating”
Las Provincias writes that according to sources at the centre, around 650 people, including employees, were present on Tuesday afternoon when the floodwaters surged. With the alarm blaring and instructions to “Evacuate the building; this is not a drill,” most managed to reach higher levels. However, the swift rise of the water left some scrambling to escape. One security guard saved several Alcampo employees by advising them to stay upstairs, avoiding the parking area where their cars were parked. “Within minutes, everything was floating,” an employee recalled, including trolleys, fridges, and even large appliances. She expressed fear that some customers may have ventured down to their vehicles, potentially putting themselves in peril.
Efforts to drain water and secure the perimeter
No pumps have yet been deployed to drain the flooded parking lot. However, a tanker truck has been stationed at the centre’s unloading ramp. People are working tirelessly to clear debris. Given the volume of water in the underground levels, it´s anticipated it may take days to fully drain the area. “It’s going to be a long time before we get all the water out,” said a technician. He had travelled from Alicante to assist.
People try to enter closed shops
Meanwhile, the centre’s security team has faced an unexpected challenge: fending off individuals attempting to enter closed shops. “I’m here to work at my restaurant; my boss called me,” one young man claimed as he tried to enter, only to be turned away by a security guard. Even in the flooded exits, unusual items like a jet ski, seemingly transported by the floodwaters, now block pathways. This all adds to the surreal scene.
Concerns extend beyond Bonaire
The nearby MN4 shopping centre in Alfafar is experiencing similar concerns. Its underground parking is also flooded. Here too are fears that some patrons who tried to reach their vehicles may be trapped below. With clean-up efforts underway, Valencia’s retail hubs face not only the daunting task of recovery but also the uncertainty of potential loss.