Madrid, Oct 30 (EFE).- At least 64 people have died, several are missing and there is incalculable damage due to torrential flooding in the Spanish regions of the Valencian Community and Castilla-La Mancha, a storm that could now strike violently. in the province of Barcelona.
The number of deaths is still provisional. However, in the Valencian Community, the most affected, the authorities have confirmed 62 victims in various locations and one has an unspecified number of missing persons, while in Castilla-La Mancha two bodies have been found and there are at least five people missing. locate.
In addition, the floods keep dozens of people trapped by water in different locations in the province of Valencia, and there are power outages.
Given the disaster situation, with several infrastructures affected by the force of the water, several towns in the Valencian capital and other municipalities have suspended classes this Wednesday.
Road transport services have been suspended as several train tracks have been cut and several plane flights have been diverted and others canceled due to the flooding of the Valencia airport.
In its account
In the worst cold spell of the century, according to the first assessment carried out by the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet), the rising rivers and floods are leaving images of total disaster in many localities, especially in the Valencian Community, the most affected. , but also in Castilla-La Mancha and Andalusia.
This Tuesday, 445.4 liters per square meter fell, according to the records of the Valencia station, the largest recorded in 24 hours in this region since September 11, 1966, when 520 lm/2 accumulated in Tavernes de la Val.
King Felipe has asked for caution in the face of the consequences of the floods and has sent a message of condolences and sadness for the loss of human life and has expressed his solidarity with the victims and for the destruction caused.
In an institutional statement, the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, has regretted the loss of human life caused by the damage and has asked for “prudence” in the face of the impact of floods and floods in the flooded areas.
From the EU there have been several messages of solidarity with Spain and the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has stated that “Europe is ready to help.”
The Aemet has warned for this Wednesday that there will be very strong showers and storms in the northern half, which will subside from south to north during the afternoon.
In fact, the regional government of Catalonia has launched a severe weather warning in the province of Barcelona, in anticipation of wind gusts of more than 90 kilometers per hour and hail more than two centimeters in diameter.
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**Interview with Dr. Elena Ruiz, Meteorologist and Disaster Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Ruiz. The recent torrential flooding in the Valencian Community and Castilla-La Mancha has caused devastating impacts. Can you provide some insights into the meteorological factors behind this catastrophe?
**Dr. Ruiz:** Thank you for having me. The flooding was primarily due to an intense storm system that brought unprecedented rainfall—445.4 liters per square meter in just 24 hours in Valencia. This volume of rain caused rivers to overflow and led to rapid surface runoff, particularly in areas with less infrastructure to manage such extreme weather.
**Editor:** The death toll has reached at least 64, with many missing. What challenges do authorities face in search and rescue operations in these conditions?
**Dr. Ruiz:** The challenges are immense. First responders are dealing with flooded roadways and damaged infrastructure, which complicates access to certain areas. There are also ongoing risks from secondary weather events, such as additional storms, which can hinder operations and pose danger to those involved in rescues.
**Editor:** In light of the tragic loss of life, what measures can communities take to better prepare for such extreme weather events in the future?
**Dr. Ruiz:** Communities must invest in better urban planning, including effective drainage systems that can handle heavy rainfall. Additionally, public awareness campaigns on emergency preparedness can save lives. This includes educating residents about evacuation routes and the importance of adhering to alerts from local authorities, especially during severe weather warnings.
**Editor:** You mentioned that more storms could be on the way, especially in the province of Barcelona. What precautions should citizens take as the weather agencies continue to monitor the situation?
**Dr. Ruiz:** Citizens should remain vigilant and follow the advice of local weather services closely. It’s crucial to have emergency kits ready, stay indoors during heavy storms, and avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary. Keeping informed via reliable sources like the State Meteorological Agency is key to safety during such unpredictable weather.
**Editor:** how can the international community assist Spain during this crisis?
**Dr. Ruiz:** International solidarity is vital. Countries can offer logistical support, particularly technical expertise in disaster response and recovery. Financial aid for rebuilding infrastructure and research initiatives to improve disaster resilience can also make a significant difference in the long run.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Ruiz, for sharing your expertise on this critical issue. Our thoughts are with all those affected by the flooding.
**Dr. Ruiz:** Thank you for bringing attention to this important matter.
