A severe DANA storm (isolated low-pressure system) has plunged the Valencia region into a disaster of unprecedented proportions, claiming 51 lives so far. Requena-Utiel, Hoya de Buñol and the Ribera Alta have been particularly affected. In l'Horta Sud, floods from the western areas hit many people unprepared. Rail transport was disrupted overnight and the main roads were blocked in many places.
Numerous buildings and streets in places such as Paiporta, Picanya and Aldaia were flooded, sweeping away countless vehicles and trapping people on higher floors. Many people sought refuge in emergency shelters such as the Alquería del Basket and the La Petxina centre, where rescue workers helped them.
Incessant rescue measures and new warnings
The Cecopi coordination centre confirmed the number of deaths and has stepped up search and rescue operations. A new alert was also issued on Wednesday morning urging citizens to avoid all unnecessary travel in the province of Valencia. Health services remain open in the city of Valencia, while surrounding centres have been closed due to the flooding.
Particularly affected: Cullera and surrounding communities
In Cullera, 26 people were evacuated from low-lying areas overnight after the Júcar River burst its banks. The city council has warned of a further rise in the river level and is asking for maximum vigilance as the river flows through the city at high speed. The bridge infrastructure and railway lines were also severely damaged. The railway line between Madrid and Valencia and the metro were interrupted for safety reasons.
School closures and impact on the economy
The extreme weather conditions led to the closure of numerous schools in Valencia and the surrounding municipalities, as well as the interruption of operations at the university and the Ford plant in Almussafes. The authorities are asking the population to be patient and to comply with safety instructions.
A storm of the century
This DANA is already considered the most devastating cold spell of the century. The Spanish meteorological agency Aemet reported that the rainfall of 445 litres per square metre in Chiva is unprecedented since 1996.