In an unprecedented response to the devastation caused by the DANA storm in Valencia, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced on Saturday a large-scale deployment of resources and personnel, marking the most extensive aid operation in Spain’s history.
The storm’s death toll reaches 211 across Valencia, Castilla-La Mancha, and Andalucía. Meanwhile, Sánchez confirmed the arrival of more military, police, and emergency support teams to aid in search, rescue, and recovery efforts. “Dozens of families are searching for loved ones,” he said from the Moncloa Palace, expressing his condolences and solidarity with the affected communities.
Also read: Desparate search for hundreds of missing persons in Valencia
Additional 5,000 military personnel
Responding to a request from Valencia’s regional president, Carlos Mazón, Sánchez committed an additional 5,000 military personnel to assist in cleanup and reconstruction. “As promised, we will deploy all necessary resources for as long as needed,” Sánchez affirmed, noting that the operation reflects the gravity of Spain’s largest natural disaster in recent history and the second most deadly in Europe this century. The president outlined five key priorities being managed by the national crisis team, with a focus on saving lives, restoring essential services, and enhancing public safety.
Thousands of troops and emergency teams
Within the past 48 hours, over 2,500 soldiers, 1,800 police officers, and 2,700 civil guards have been deployed. Futhermore specialised rescue teams will work to stabilise the situation. Sánchez also announced the mobilisation of an additional 4,000 soldiers by Saturday and 1,000 more on Sunday. He stressed the magnitude of this deployment: “This is the largest operation of its kind in Spain’s peacetime history.” Accompanying the ground effort, a naval amphibious ship will dock in Valencia to aid operations, with a further contingent of 5,000 police and guards supplementing the mission, raising the total force to 10,000.
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Five strategic priorities to tackle the crisis
The five-point strategy Sánchez detailed includes immediate life-saving efforts. Currently, thousands of rescues are completed and over 30,000 people assisted so far. However, he acknowledged the challenge: “The scale of this catastrophe has made every response seem insufficient.” In addition to continuing the search and rescue, Sánchez outlined a second priority to identify victims respectfully and promptly. Twenty specialist teams are dispatched to assist in this sensitive task.
The third priority focuses on restoring essential services, with additional resources directed towards reinstating water, power, and telecommunications. Ensuring public safety forms the fourth objective. Furthermore, the fifth priority is aimed at facilitating financial aid to Valencia for rebuilding and economic recovery.
Crisis committee meeting
Following his public address, Sánchez presided over a crisis committee meeting with senior government officials, including Vice Presidents María Jesús Montero and Yolanda Díaz, and Valencia-native Science Minister Diana Morant. Later, the president is scheduled to visit the UME’s General Headquarters at the Torrejón Air Base for a briefing on ongoing operations