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The number of deaths due to the Isolated Depression at High Levels (DANA) that affects Spain has increased to 63, according to official sources reported today. Of the victims, one corresponds to the area of Cuenca, and the other 62 were registered in the area of Valencia.
This extreme meteorological phenomenon, also known as “cold fall”, has hit the Valencian Community and Castilla-La Mancha particularly hard, although Catalonia and Andalusia are expected to be affected in the coming days. The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has classified this DANA as the worst so far this century in the Valencian Community, even surpassing the extremely cold fall of September 2019.
Comparison with major historical storms
Meteorologists have compared the impact of this DANA to two major storms that affected Spain in the 1980s. people. However, authorities clarify that the number of victims and the amount of damage caused by DANA of 2024 is higher than the two accidents.
Missing people and state of emergency
In addition to the deceased, official sources indicated that six people are missing in Letur, Albacete, and in Valencia there are several people whose whereabouts are unknown. Authorities are continuing with search and rescue efforts, but the weather has made work difficult in several areas, many of which are still being cut off.
The government’s response
In the face of the disaster, the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, addressed the nation in a national speech from the Palace of Moncloa. Sánchez promised that his administration will use “all necessary means as long as it takes” to help those affected by the storm. “All of Spain is crying out, we are going to send all the resources of the State, and if necessary, the European Union, so that the victims can rebuild their lives,” he said.
Sánchez also promised support for the communities destroyed by DANA. “Agreed we are going to rebuild your streets, squares and bridges, and all of Spain is and will be with you,” said the president, directing a message of hope to the largest towns and cities which gives effect.
DANA influence and damage in the Valencian Community
The intense rains, which accumulated up to 300 liters per square meter in the Valencian Community, caused severe river overflows and floods that destroyed infrastructure and isolated many areas. The Mediterranean arc has been the most affected region, with heavy rain that has also hit other areas of the country, including Madrid, Malaga and northern areas.
Rubén del Campo, spokesman for the Aemet, warned from the beginning of the storm that Tuesday would be a particularly dangerous day. However, in the region of Valencia, it seems that the red alert calls, which indicated the greatest danger, came late, which could have affected the high number of victims.
Rescue operations and forecasts
Rescue work continues in the most affected areas, where emergency teams, supported by helicopters, have tried to reach areas that are still cut off due to road closures. Although the storm has begun to lose intensity, it is expected that the rain will continue this Wednesday in Valencia, as well as in Andalusia and Catalonia, although with less force.
The country remains on alert for possible new damage, while the emergency services are working hard to care for the victims and to recover the devastated areas.
