Madrid/Valencia, Nov 1 (EFE).- The storm, which has hit the east and south of Spain since last Tuesday, continues and the emergency situation does not subside, with five regions on alert this Friday, while the emergency services They intensify the search for missing people, especially in Valencia (east), with 500 reinforcement soldiers.
The balance at the moment remains at 158 dead people (155 in Valencia; two in Castilla-La Mancha and one in Andalusia) due to the storm and the most important floods of the century, which have placed this episode as one of the natural disasters. most serious and heartbreaking in the history of Spain.
The figures of the event already exceed the number of victims that produced other catastrophes in Spain in the 20th century, such as the overflowing of the Turia River in Valencia in 1957; the failure of the Vega de Tera dam in Zamora in 1959; the failure of the Tous dam in Valencia in 1983; or the tragedy of the “Las Nieves” campsite in Biescas (Huesca), devastated by a torrent of water.
The emergency services, which were joined this Friday by another 500 soldiers (300 from the Army, 100 from the Air and 100 from the Navy), are working hard to search for people who are still missing and are also dedicating themselves to the opening of roads to facilitate access and in the distribution of basic aid to the population.
«The meteorological emergency has not ended»
The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) today stressed that the adverse situation has not subsided, that the intense rainfall continues and will continue throughout the weekend, and the importance of checking the weather and the state of roads before traveling.
It so happens that today, the 1st, the All Saints’ long weekend begins, with three holidays, which many people in Spain take advantage of to travel, especially to their places of origin.
Five regions are still on alert, and in the case of Andalusia (south), in its province of Huelva the warning is at a “red” level (extreme risk), due to the torrential rains that are being recorded and that in some points may exceed 140 liters per square meter.
The “orange” alerts (significant risk) extend to many places in Andalusia (south), the Valencian Community, Catalonia and the Balearic Islands (these regions in the east), where rainfall will be very abundant and persistent throughout throughout the day and the accumulation of water after very high hours.
«We are going to send a very clear message and we are going to leave it fixed. The meteorological emergency has not ended. “The damage continues over Spain,” published the Aemet-Comunidad Valenciana, and left this message posted on its X account.
Thousands of people carry aid on foot
While emergency and rescue personnel focus on searching for missing people, opening roads to facilitate work and distributing aid, solidarity actions carried out by citizens take place in the streets.
Thousands of people travel on foot – thus heeding the call not to use cars so as not to interrupt emergency services – from the center of Valencia to the nearby towns most affected by the floods: they are loaded with food, buckets, mops, shovels and cars loaded to the brim, taking advantage of the holiday.
More than a hundred roads are still closed in Valencia, Andalusia and Castilla-La Mancha, including some sections of main roads, and thousands of people are still without water or electricity, as well as without telephone, and many residents come to the places where police officers emergency they distribute water.
In Letur (Albacete), one of the towns most shaken by the enormous force of the water, 200 people from emergency services and volunteers resumed the search for the five people who remain missing, helped by ten dogs from the Military Emergency Unit and the Civil Guard who search the old town center.
The High Speed rail service between Madrid and Valencia is cut off and the Government plans to recover its operation in two weeks, since there are several tunnels that have suffered very significant damage; The airline Iberia launched an action plan to facilitate the movement of people who need it.
Calls are being made from some of the most affected municipalities to help with tractors, cranes, dump trucks or generator sets, and some farmer organizations are asking their associates to take their tractors out onto the streets to help remove the cars that accumulate in the streets. roads and streets, to clear the mud and thus facilitate the work that the emergency services and thousands of volunteers are providing.
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**Interview with Climate Expert Dr. Elena Ruiz on the Recent Storm and Flooding in Spain**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Ruiz. The recent storm in Spain has been catastrophic, with reports of 158 fatalities and widespread flooding. Can you explain the significance of this natural disaster in the context of Spain’s history?
**Dr. Elena Ruiz:** Thank you for having me. This storm is indeed one of the most devastating events in Spain’s history, surpassing the casualties from previous catastrophes like the Turia River overflow in 1957. The scale of this disaster highlights not only the immediate effects of severe weather but also underscores systemic issues related to climate change that can exacerbate such events.
**Interviewer:** How are the emergency services coping with the situation, and what measures are being taken to assist those affected?
**Dr. Ruiz:** Emergency services are working tirelessly, with the deployment of additional military personnel to aid in search and rescue operations. They’re opening roads and distributing essential supplies to those impacted. However, the ongoing threat from continuing heavy rainfall complicates their efforts significantly.
**Interviewer:** What role does climate change play in events like the one we are witnessing now?
**Dr. Ruiz:** Climate change is a critical factor. It increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including storms and heavy rains. Warmer air holds more moisture, leading to higher precipitation levels during such events. As we see with this storm, we are increasingly confronted with such catastrophic weather patterns.
**Interviewer:** There are reports recommending people check the weather and roads before traveling, especially with the All Saints’ weekend approaching. What precautions should citizens take during such emergencies?
**Dr. Ruiz:** Absolutely, the public should remain vigilant. It’s vital to heed official warnings and avoid unnecessary travel, as road conditions may be perilous. Staying informed through reliable sources and following advice from local authorities is crucial to ensure safety.
**Interviewer:** Solidarity efforts have also been reported, with thousands of citizens contributing aid. How important is community support in these situations?
**Dr. Ruiz:** Community support is incredibly vital in crisis situations. It not only helps meet immediate needs for food and shelter but also fosters a sense of hope and togetherness in such challenging times. These grassroots actions are essential in boosting morale and providing relief where it is needed most.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Ruiz, for your insights. This situation highlights the urgent need for effective climate policy and community resilience.
**Dr. Ruiz:** Thank you. Indeed, addressing climate change and preparing for such extreme weather events must remain a priority for governments and communities alike.
