Efforts to secure and inspect the submerged parking structure at the Bonaire Shopping Centre in Aldaia, Valencia, are making headway. Authorities are reporting that the initial inspection of 50 vehicles revealed no victims.
The parking area had become one of the most challenging rescue sites following the catastrophic DANA storms, which severely affected the Valencia region, causing extensive flooding.
The National Police and the Spanish Military Emergency Unit (UME) is supported by parachute engineers from Alcantarilla and drones. They have been working continuously to reduce water levels within the car park. As of Monday, significant progress was made as the water level was brought down to one metre, enabling divers to begin a more detailed inspection of the area in the coming hours. A drone operated by the National Police conducted an aerial scan of the car park after the water receded, assisting rescue teams with initial evaluations. These observations confirmed that there were no casualties in the first 50 cars accessed.
Bonaire parking flooded with millions of litres of water
The vast indoor parking area at Bonaire covers roughly 2,000 square metres. At the height of the flood it was filled with an estimated 200 million litres of water. On Sunday, pump systems were able to extract two million litres of water per hour. This progress has provided a crucial window for divers and rescue workers to access the interior safely and inspect submerged vehicles.
David Escribano from the parachute engineer squadron highlighted the intense efforts underway. “We have been stationed in Valencia since day one, arriving late at night, and immediately began working alongside the UME. The water level remains high in certain areas. Therefore, we are focusing on using heavy equipment to remove initial layers of water and silt. Our attempts last night were limited due to conditions, but we are working tirelessly to enable entry.”
Imágenes de la inspección en el interior del aparcamiento del centro comercial https://t.co/xAIv0E72ip pic.twitter.com/4EZTd0YCZ5
— Policía Nacional (@policia) November 4, 2024
Challenges and further inspection
The operation remains challenging as the car park spans multiple levels, each potentially housing trapped vehicles and debris. Rescuers have not yet estimated the total number of cars submerged or the potential for further affected individuals. However, authorities are optimistic about conducting a more thorough inspection in the next few hours. Despite the extensive flooding in the Valencia region, officials are encouraged by the recent progress. Furthermore, they are hopeful that continued drainage efforts will allow full access to all floors of the parking structure.
Also read: Inundated Bonaire shopping centre in Valencia: a scene of destruction and uncertainty