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Spain storm damage update: Death toll rises to at least 92 in Valencia and storm moves on to other parts
This week’s storm was one of the worst and most destructive in Valencia’s history
The powerful DANA (Isolated Depression at High Levels) storm that began battering Spain this week has reached tragic new levels, with the government now confirming at least 92 fatalities in the Valencian Community alone.
This devastating weather system has left parts of the eastern and southeastern regions of Spain submerged, with search teams tirelessly working through towns like Paiporta, Torrent and Picaña, and casualties have been reported as far afield as Castilla-La Mancha.
Death toll climbs and missing persons searches underway
Efectivos de todas las unidades de @UMEgob se encuentran desplegados en la provincia de Valencia. Durante el día de hoy tienen previsto continuar con las labores de evacuación, búsqueda de desaparecidos y tareas de achique. Siempre #ParaServir hasta que sea necesario. pic.twitter.com/b8DKIReOrS
— Ministerio Defensa (@Defensagob) October 30, 2024
The torrential rains and strong winds have brought unprecedented destruction across Spain, transforming Valencia’s streets into rivers and sweeping away entire families.
In the town of Paiporta, four people – a baby among them – have been found dead, while in nearby Torrent, another five victims have been discovered, including a married couple and their two young children.
Meanwhile, the city of Cheste has reported a man lost to the floods, while tragic discoveries are being made in Alfafar, Alcudia and elsewhere around Valencia’s southern metropolitan area.
Search and rescue teams, including the Military Emergency Unit (UME), are in relentless pursuit of the missing, which includes six people in Letur (Albacete) and two Guardia Civil officers last seen in a Paiporta barracks garage.
Another truck driver remains unaccounted for in La Alcúdia, Valencia. As the situation develops, officials are urging residents to heed warnings, with hundreds already displaced and towns like Pinedo entirely evacuated.
Dentro de las misiones asignadas de búsqueda de personas desaparecidas, los componentes del dispositivo de la #UME se encuentran trabajando en el parking público de #Utiel
— UME (@UMEgob) October 30, 2024
Mucha fuerza a todas las personas afectadas por la #DANA@GVA112 @Defensagob pic.twitter.com/VUplQl1G89
Medios del Batallón de Helicópteros de Emergencia #BHELEME del @EjercitoTierra se han incorporado a las labores de búsqueda y rescate con tres 🚠Cougar y dos 🚠EC-135 #JuntosSomosMásFuertes💪 #DANA pic.twitter.com/0XWOHZ7ttk
— UME (@UMEgob) October 30, 2024
#DANA. 24 intenses hores intentant arribar, per via terrestre, aquàtica i aèria als màxims llocs possibles en escenaris inaccessibles i complicats
— Bombers Consorci VLC (@BombersValencia) October 30, 2024
🎥 d'alguns dels rescats que ahir van realitzar els efectius @BombersValencia. En estos moments seguim treballant a tota la província pic.twitter.com/vlBqyoNK9m
Transport disruption and road closures
For travellers, the situation remains chaotic. Numerous roads have been cut off as water levels have even forced some lorries to a standstill on sections of the A7 and A3.
Flights have been suspended at Valencia Airport, which has effectively become a “swimming pool” according to witnesses. With Valencia’s airport taking the brunt of the delays and cancellations, Madrid’s airport is also affected, with knock-on disruptions reverberating through Spain’s transport network.
Train services are equally disrupted, as rail operator Adif has suspended Valencia’s Cercanías commuter trains indefinitely. In response, stations across Madrid, Valencia and Cuenca have stayed open overnight to provide refuge for stranded passengers.
Storm shifts focus to Catalonia, Aragón and Navarra
While the storm initially targeted Valencia, the DANA has since shifted northward. Catalonia, Aragón, Navarra and areas as far inland as Castilla y León, such as Soria and Salamanca, are all under weather alerts as the system advances.
The Spanish Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has activated over 100 weather alerts, predicting heavy rainfall and intense winds throughout these areas.
Aemet’s warning extends until this afternoon for parts of Catalonia, Aragón and Soria, as well as for areas near Barcelona’s coast, where the risk of rain, thunderstorms and hail remains high.
The pre-coastal regions of Tarragona, the Ebro River basin through Navarra and Zaragoza, and Teruel’s Bajo Aragón will hold a yellow alert until 7pm, while parts of Andalucía such as Seville and Cádiz are expected to remain on alert until midnight as the storm approaches the southern coast of the peninsula.
As the DANA advances across Spain, Aemet has maintained a yellow alert across western Andalucía and Extremadura until midnight, extending into western provinces in Castilla y León. Specific alerts have been set for areas in Badajóz, Cáceres and Ávila, with forecasts suggesting a continuation of the severe weather through Wednesday night.
President urges safety as ‘the whole of Spain cries’ with affected communities
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez delivered a solemn address to the nation this Wednesday, expressing solidarity with those impacted by the DANA and pledging coordinated government efforts to provide relief.
Emphasising that both Spain and the European Union stand ready to help, Sánchez called on residents to “not lower their guard” as the storm’s effects continue to spread.
“The DANA is not over, and neither is the risk,” Sánchez cautioned.
Thanking firefighters, emergency responders, and volunteers, he implored everyone to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly near rivers and ravines, and to heed emergency updates closely. “No one should put their life at risk,” he stressed.
Addressing families whose homes and possessions have been swept away, Sánchez recognised the emotional toll, promising full governmental support for recovery and rebuilding efforts.
The government has declared three days of official national mourning for those affected, and many events and football matches have been cancelled or delayed.
Several charitable associations who are providing disaster relief to the affected areas have set up funds. If you wish to make a donation, you can do so on the websites of the Cruz Roja or Cáritas Valencia
Image 1: Bombers Valencia
Image 2: Pedro Sanchéz Castejón
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