The number of deaths rose during a day in which Valencia and other areas of Spain remain in shock / Photo: EFE
The latest count of fatalities due to the floods caused by Dana in the Spanish province of Valencia raises the provisional figure to 155, as reported this Thursday by the Emergencies of the Generalitat Valenciana – the Valencian regional government -, which is 63 more than the count. former.
The Generalitat activated the Multiple Victims Procedure on Tuesday night, although the first confirmations of deaths were known this Wednesday, a day that began with the number of 51 people deceased and ended last night with an official count of 92, always provisional. .
All the mortal bodies that are located after the floods are transferred to the morgue that has been set up in the City of Justice of Valencia, while the forensic staff has been reinforced for identifications and autopsies.
Most affected area
The town of Paiporta, located just ten kilometers from the Valencian capital, concentrates a large number of deceased people, around 45 according to municipal calculations, while in the districts of La Torre and Castellar 13 have been recorded, of them 8 in a garage.
The devastating images that the Dana has left as it passed through the province of Valencia continue to occur this Thursday, the first of the three days of official mourning for the fatalities and in solidarity with those affected by this catastrophe that has moved the entire world and for which minutes of silence have been kept.
The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, visited the Integrated Operational Coordination Center in L’Eliana (Valencia) from which emergency work is coordinated in the areas affected by dana, where he guaranteed the collaboration of the Executive with the Valencian Community ” by land, sea and air” and as long as it takes.
This makes a total of 158 victims, 155 confirmed by the Valencian government, two dead in Castilla-La Mancha and one elderly man dead in the province of Malaga.
Valencia / EFE
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**Interview with Dr. Luis Martinez, Meteorologist and Disaster Management Expert**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Martinez. We are witnessing a tragic unfolding situation in Valencia, where the DANA storm has had a devastating impact. What can you tell us about the storm and its consequences?
**Dr. Martinez**: Thank you for having me. The DANA, or ‘Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos,’ refers to an isolated depression in high levels of the atmosphere that can lead to torrential rain and severe flooding. The impact we’ve witnessed in Valencia has been catastrophic, with the latest reports indicating at least 155 fatalities due to the flooding. These numbers can be very distressing, and the region is still in shock as it grapples with the aftermath.
**Interviewer**: That’s truly heartbreaking. The response from the Valencian government has been significant. Can you explain what measures they have been implementing in response to this disaster?
**Dr. Martinez**: Indeed, the Generalitat Valenciana has activated the Multiple Victims Protocol, which is vital in coordinating efforts to address emergencies of this scale. This involves mobilizing emergency services, setting up shelters for those displaced, and initiating water rescues. Furthermore, the focus is on assessing infrastructure damage, including closed roads and flooded rail lines, to facilitate recovery efforts.
**Interviewer**: Infrastructure challenges are a massive hurdle in such situations. How does the destruction of roads and ports affect rescue and recovery operations?
**Dr. Martinez**: The closed roads and shut ports severely hinder rescue operations. Emergency teams rely heavily on accessible routes to reach those in need and to deliver essential supplies. The flooding of rail lines exacerbates the situation, impacting transportation and logistics. Quick restoration of transportation channels is crucial for both immediate rescue efforts and for long-term recovery.
**Interviewer**: As we move forward, what lessons can be learned from this disaster for future preparedness?
**Dr. Martinez**: This situation underscores the importance of disaster preparedness and responsive infrastructure. Investing in resilient infrastructure, early warning systems, and community awareness programs can significantly improve response times and minimize casualties in future events. It’s also crucial for local governments to develop and continuously update emergency response plans to adapt to changing climate patterns.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Dr. Martinez, for your insights. Our thoughts are with the people of Valencia during this difficult time.
