Well, folks, here’s the lowdown—a red warning for rain has been activated in Huelva until 9:00 a.m. Apparently, Mother Nature is throwing quite the tantrum, and it’s not just a sulky drizzle; we’ve got a red alert! Now that’s the weather’s equivalent of kicking the dog… Absolutely not okay! You’d think they’d just get the hint and take it easy, but no, it seems the skies have a vendetta against umbrella manufacturers in Huelva!
The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) is urging everyone to proceed with extreme caution—like Michael Flatley dancing in a minefield. So, what do we do? Well, apparently, the genius play is to avoid traveling! If you were planning on going anywhere, you might want to grip your couch a little tighter and settle in for a bit of the old Netflix and rain romance—unless you fancy becoming a cast member in “Drenched: The Musical!”
📢 BREAKING NEWS | EXTREME caution with #DANA in #Huelva.
🔴Red notice due to rain observation 🌧️in Litoral Huelva, Andévalo and Condado until 9:00 a.m. ⌚️. Protect yourself. Avoid traveling.
▶️More than 40 warnings due to flooding in Huelva, Aljaraque, Cartaya, P. Umbría and Gibraleón. pic.twitter.com/klARljyYFw— Emergencies 112 (@E112Andalucia) November 1, 2024
And hey, if you think it’s just a Huelva thing, think again! DANA, that lovable but psychotic rain co-worker, will be paying a visit to the rest of Andalusia, under the Ebro, and the dazzling Balearic Islands this Friday. Expect torrential rain—just think of it as nature’s attempt to create the world’s largest swimming pool. Well, it’s either that or we string up a “No Swimming” sign during an afternoon thunderstorm. Grab your sunblock and your inflatable flamingo because it’s going to be quite the soggy adventure in the southwest!
But enough about the rain—let’s touch on a slightly brighter note! Seven out of eight lost Ecuadorians have been found alive after the floods. I mean, I could wax lyrical about relief and hope, but seriously, what luck! If they’d gone missing looking for a good tapas bar, they’d have just needed a compass and possibly a well-placed tortilla.
Meanwhile, across the pond, the United States is extending its deepest condolences for the tragic loss of life. A generous sentiment, though it kind of feels as if they’re saying, “Hey, we’re sorry for your flood, but at least we didn’t get caught in it!” Nice try, America. But if you could send over some life vests for the next weather drama, we’d all appreciate it.
The United States extends our deepest condolences to the people of Spain for the tragic loss of life due to unprecedented flooding. Our thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones due to recent extreme weather.
— Matthew Miller (@StateDeptSpox) November 1, 2024
Coming back to real life, people have been launching themselves into the streets in Valencia like they’ve got a free ticket to a rock concert—helping clean up and providing basic supplies. That’s the human spirit for you—shining bright amidst floodwaters! It’s a beautiful mess when you think about it. Not the flood, but people coming together, thinking of others. Just goes to show, if you want a positive outcome from a miserable situation, you need to collaborate like it’s a group project in college—just minus the one guy who does nothing.
It’s incredible how much help you can muster when the chips are down. The Community of Madrid is sending a second Emergency and Immediate Response team to Valencia. It’s basically the Justice League of rainy day responses—17 seasoned professionals and some canine companions ready to save the day. Who needs superheroes when you have hardy dudes and their trusty four-legged friends? It’s a feel-good story waiting to happen, especially if one of the dogs happens to don a cape.
So, whether you’re hunkering in Huelva or knee-deep in Valencia, remember: there’s always a silver lining amidst the chaos. Well, that, and a lot of puddles. As they say, today’s forecast: 100% chance of sarcasm with a sprinkle of hope. Hold on tight, and let’s ride out this storm together!
The red warning for rain in Huelva is activated until 9:00 a.m.
The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has officially activated a red warning for rain across the heavily impacted Huelva coast as well as in the regions of Arévalo and Condado, effective until 9:00 a.m. this morning. In light of these severe weather conditions, Emergencies 112 Andalucía is urging residents to exercise the utmost caution and avoid any unnecessary travel.
The emergency service has emphatically stated that “extreme caution is essential in Huelva during this DANA event.” A red notice has been issued specifically for rain observation in Litoral Huelva, Andévalo, and Condado until the clock strikes 9:00 a.m. Individuals are strongly advised to protect themselves and refrain from traveling.
📢 BREAKING NEWS | EXTREME caution with #DANA in #Huelva.
🔴Red notice due to rain observation 🌧️in Litoral Huelva, Andévalo, and Condado until 9:00 a.m. ⌚️. Protect yourself. Avoid traveling.
▶️More than 40 warnings due to flooding in Huelva, Aljaraque, Cartaya, P. Umbría and Gibraleón. pic.twitter.com/klARljyYFw— Emergencies 112 (@E112Andalucia) November 1, 2024
DANA will leave strong storms this Friday in Andalusia, under the Ebro and the Balearic Islands
DANA is expected to continue wreaking havoc this Friday, bringing heavy and persistent rainfall particularly to the western half of Andalusia, the regions under the Ebro, and the Balearic Islands. This relentless weather pattern may spill over into the southern parts of the western Central System, according to forecasts from the state meteorological bureau (AEMET).
Precipitation is also likely to impact the southwest, Levante, Aragon, and Catalonia, extending even into the southwest of Castile and León. However, forecasters indicate that chances of rain are minimal or highly unlikely in the northern regions of Galicia, the Cantabrian Sea, northern Northern Plateau, and upper Ebro, although they cannot be completely ruled out in other areas.
Maximum temperatures are expected to rise in the western parts of the peninsula, while experiencing declines elsewhere. Minimum temperatures will see an increase in the southwest and the Cantabrian region, with no significant changes anticipated for the remainder of the country.
Winds will predominantly be of an eastern component across both the Peninsula and the Balearic Islands, generally remaining weak inland, but potentially intensifying along the coasts. Special attention is required in areas of Cádiz and the Balearics where stronger wind intervals may occur, while the Canary Islands will experience markedly lighter winds.
* Information prepared by EFE.
Seven of the eight Ecuadorians missing in Spain after floods found alive
The Ecuadorian government announced with relief that seven of the eight missing Ecuadorians have been located and found alive following the recent devastating effects of DANA in Spain. Officials emphasize their commitment to monitor any updates on the status of those reported deceased to identify potential cases involving their citizens.
A statement from the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the Ecuadorian consul based in Valencia had verified the safe recovery of the seven individuals. They also highlighted coordination efforts to locate several compatriots who had previously been unreachable after the catastrophic storm’s impact.
* Information prepared by EFE.
The United States conveys its condolences to Spain for the fatalities after the floods
The United States Government has expressed heartfelt condolences to Spain for the tragic fatalities incurred as a result of the DANA floods, which have reportedly left at least 158 individuals dead, the majority of whom were in the Valencian Community.
“The United States sends its deepest condolences to the people of Spain for the tragic loss of life caused by unprecedented flooding. Our thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones due to recent extreme weather conditions,” remarked State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller via his profile on the social media platform X.
The United States extends our deepest condolences to the people of Spain for the tragic loss of life due to unprecedented flooding. Our thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones due to recent extreme weather.
— Matthew Miller (@StateDeptSpox) November 1, 2024
Hundreds of people take to the streets on foot to help all those affected in Valencia
Social networks have been filled with images of Valencians helping to clean the streets and carrying basic supplies
Several people carry out cleaning tasks after the passage of DANA through the La Torre neighborhood of Valencia. (Rober Solsona – Europa Press)
In the aftermath of the catastrophic flooding caused by the DANA that struck during Tuesday night, the Valencian Community is slowly working to recover from the extensive destruction. The death toll stands over 150, with still dozens reported missing. In response to the tragedy, the Generalitat is preparing to designate the Valencia Fairgrounds as a temporary morgue to safeguard the remains of the victims until they can be handed over to the funeral homes.
The Community of Madrid sends a second team with 17 ERICAM members to Valencia
The Community of Madrid has dispatched a second Emergency and Immediate Response contingent of the Community of Madrid (ERICAM) to Valencia to bolster rescue operations following the devastation caused by DANA that has afflicated the region.
This dedicated team comprises 17 members from SUMMA 112, Community Firefighters, and Canine Units. They are equipped with four specially trained dogs from the Spanish School of Rescue and Detection with Dogs and Civil Protection of Las Rozas, as confirmed by Emergencies 112 of the Community of Madrid.
The Generalitat enables Feria Valencia as a morgue for the deceased of the DANA
The Generalitat Valenciana has swiftly converted the Feria Valencia facilities into a morgue for victims who lost their lives in the wake of DANA. This decisive action ensures that the deceased are preserved for eventual transfer to funeral homes.
A unit from the Military Emergency Unit (UME) collaborated with the management of Feria Valencia to establish an efficient system for locating and preserving the bodies within the fairgrounds, according to a statement released by the Generalitat.
While there were initial discussions to possibly create a small room for autopsies, the Generalitat later confirmed that this option will not be utilized for the time being, with autopsies continuing at the Legal Medical Institute.
* Information prepared by Europa Press.
50 people are evicted in Sot de Chera, in Valencia, while the Buseo dam is monitored
The Sot de Chera Town Hall in Valencia has taken proactive measures to preventively evacuate 50 residents from the lower areas of the municipality. This decision was made in response to the potential threats posed by the current state of the Buseo reservoir dam, which is classified under situation 2, as detailed by the Emergency Coordination Center.
The 112 Emergency service of the Valencian Community is maintaining rigorous oversight on the dam situation, recognizing that even minor changes could exacerbate conditions in the area. Continuous surveillance is paramount to ensuring resident safety and averting further disasters.
* With information from Europa Press and EFE.
The University of Valencia establishes flexibility measures, teleworking, and psychological care
The University of Valencia (UV) has announced it will implement a series of measures aiming to provide support and relief after DANA’s devastation, including the loan of equipment, psychological assistance, and measures designed to minimize impact on student evaluations. Additionally, teleworking and exemptions from work duties will be available to staff facing force majeure circumstances.
This was disclosed Thursday night by the rector of UV, Blue Mestre, in a message directed at the university community. He expressed his “sincere support and solidarity” to those affected by the disastrous impact of DANA, which has particularly affected Valencia.
* Information prepared by Europa Press.
He municipality due to rising water levels and potential risks associated with the nearby Buseo dam. This precautionary evacuation is part of the ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of residents in light of the continuing adverse weather conditions resulting from DANA.
Local authorities are closely monitoring the dam and have implemented safety protocols to manage the situation effectively. Residents in the affected areas have been advised to stay alert and follow instructions from emergency services.
The evacuation operation highlights the community’s response to the serious weather events that have recently affected Valencia and the broader region. Emergency services remain on high alert, prepared to assist in any further evacuations if necessary as the situation develops.
As cleanup and recovery efforts continue across the impacted areas, solidarity among residents remains strong. Community support initiatives are burgeoning, as locals come together to assist those in need by providing supplies and helping with cleanup efforts, showcasing the resilience and unity of the Valencian community in the face of disaster.
The authorities urge everyone to remain vigilant as more rainfall is forecast, which may exacerbate already challenging conditions in various locales.
