Four days after the tragic floods that devastated the south-east of Spain, the death toll rises further to 211 deaths while another 500 military reinforcements have arrived in Valencia to help search for the missing. In a speech from the Moncloa palace, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced the dispatch of 5,000 soldiers and another 5,000 policemen and gendarmes. Thousands of volunteers arrived at the coordination center of the City of Arts in Valencia, where they had been summoned by the Valencian authorities at 7am to join the work of cleaning streets and houses and to help residents affected by the bad weather. Among the risks, there is also that of the spread of infections. Matteo Bassetti clarified on the topic.
“Every time there is a flood, especially with these proportions, there is a very high possibility of mixing of wastewater with rainwater with the potential risk of infections from enteric microorganisms: E. Coli, salmonella, staphylococci, vibrios – maybe not choleric – but minors”, he said speaking to Adnkronos Salute. “We also saw it with the flood in Emilia Romagna, where however it was very hot, here we are in a different season and the less summery temperatures could help limit the spread of these dangerous microorganisms”, added the director of infectious diseases of the San Martino polyclinic hospital in Genoa.
#risk #infections #high #Tempo
**Interview with Maria Garcia, Local Resident and Volunteer Coordinator in Valencia**
**Host:** Welcome, Maria, and thank you for joining us. The recent floods in Valencia have been devastating. Can you share with us what you’ve experienced in the past few days?
**Maria Garcia:** Thank you for having me. It’s been a heart-wrenching few days here. I had never seen anything like this in my life. The floodwaters rose so quickly, leaving many residents with little time to react. It’s heartbreaking to see the devastation and the loss of life, which currently stands at 211. The community has come together in an extraordinary way, but the challenges we face are immense.
**Host:** That’s truly tragic. I understand that many volunteers have mobilized. How has the local community responded to this crisis?
**Maria Garcia:** The response has been overwhelming. Thousands of volunteers showed up at the coordination center in the City of Arts early this morning to help with the cleanup efforts. It’s inspiring to see people from all walks of life come together—students, families, and even people from other regions of Spain. We’re working tirelessly to clean streets, clear debris, and help those whose homes have been damaged. However, the situation is still desperate for many families who have lost everything.
**Host:** With the military reinforcements and additional personnel being deployed, how is the coordination going for rescue and recovery efforts?
**Maria Garcia:** Coordination is crucial at this time. With 5,000 soldiers and 5,000 police and gendarmes sent to support us, we are integrating their efforts with local volunteers to maximize our impact. The priority is still on searching for the missing and providing immediate assistance to those affected. We are heartened by the support, but we know the road to recovery will take a long time.
**Host:** What do you believe is the most critical need for the community right now?
**Maria Garcia:** Right now, we need essential supplies like food, water, and shelter for those who have been displaced. Long-term support for rebuilding homes and infrastructures will also be crucial as we move forward. Emotional support for families who are grieving their losses is equally important. Everyone needs to know they’re not alone in this.
**Host:** Thank you, Maria, for your insights and for all the hard work you and the volunteers are doing. Our thoughts are with you and everyone affected by this tragedy.
**Maria Garcia:** Thank you. We appreciate the support and coverage during this difficult time. Together, we will rebuild.
