Flash floods triggered by Storm Dana have resulted in multiple deaths in Spain, causing havoc as cars were swept away, homes were swamped, and transport services disrupted. The country was under severe weather alert due to the impact of the storm, which brought warnings of flash flooding and landslides. Spanish authorities have confirmed the occurrence of several fatalities in the wake of the devastating flash floods.
The rapid inundation of floodwaters was captured in alarming footage on smartphones and aired on Spain’s national broadcaster, RTVE. Scenes showed cars being carried away by the force of the water and homes submerged under several feet of floodwater. Carlos Mazon, the regional president of eastern Valencia, expressed that it was too early to ascertain the exact number of casualties as many individuals remained unaccounted for. RTVE reported the recovery of 13 bodies in Valencia, as cited by the Civil Guard, although immediate responses from the authorities were not available.
The rainstorms on Tuesday led to extensive flooding across southern and eastern Spain, prompting AEMET, the country’s state weather agency, to issue a red alert for the eastern Valencia region and a second-highest alert level for parts of Andalusia in the south. The severe weather conditions also caused a high-speed train carrying nearly 300 passengers to derail near Malaga, fortunately with no reported injuries. However, the disruption of high-speed train services between Valencia city and Madrid, along with several commuter lines, was noted.
AEMET forecasts that the storms are likely to persist until Thursday, with Valencia expected to bear the brunt of the adverse weather. Predictions indicate over 3.5 inches (90mm) of rainfall in less than an hour or up to 180mm within a 12-hour period in the region. The persistent storm activity poses significant challenges for residents and authorities in the affected areas, exacerbating the impact of the flash floods and hampering recovery efforts.
The unfolding situation in Spain underscores the urgency for coordinated disaster response and preparedness measures to mitigate the effects of extreme weather events. The tragic loss of lives and extensive damage serve as stark reminders of the vulnerability of communities in the face of natural disasters. As the affected regions grapple with the aftermath of the flash floods, efforts are underway to address the immediate needs of those impacted and assess the full extent of the damage caused by Storm Dana.