Spain is in shock after the disastrous flood that hit the Valencia region causing at least 95 deaths. The toll is provisional, while search operations for the numerous missing continue in the hope of still finding survivors. About a thousand soldiers are deployed on site, together with firefighters, police and rescuers working to locate possible survivors and to clear the areas affected by the disaster. This is the most serious toll since the 1973 flood: 300 people died then, but this time too the number is destined to increase. Prime Minister Pedro Sànchez, who has declared three days of national mourning, will be in Valencia this morning, where he will visit the Relief Coordination Center (Cecopi). Yesterday in a short televised speech the socialist leader assured that the government will not leave the victims “alone”.
According to emergency services, thousands of people were still without electricity in the Valencia region early this morning; many roads remain closed, and countless wrecked cars are scattered everywhere, covered in mud and debris, blocking passages. According to the authorities, one of the most affected places was Paiporta, in the southern outskirts of Valencia, where around forty people died, including a mother and her three-month-old baby, swept away by the current. The president of the Valencia region, Carlos Manzòn, said last night that the emergency services carried out “200 land rescue operations and 70 air rescue operations” with helicopters during the day. He also specified that emergency services managed to reach all the affected areas, while several villages remained isolated from the rest of the country for much of yesterday. According to the meteorological agency Aemet, in the night between Tuesday and Wednesday more than 300 liters of water fell per square meter in various locations in the Valencian region, with a peak of 491 liters in the small village of Chiva: this is the equivalent of “a year of precipitation,” he said.
The Spanish press, which defined what happened as “the flood of the century”, questions in its comments the speed of reaction of the authorities: the Civil Protection alert message to residents was in fact sent after 8pm on Tuesday. Valencian region and in general on the Spanish Mediterranean coast, the phenomenon known as «gota fria» («cold drop»), or Dana, an isolated depression at high altitude which causes sudden and very violent rains, sometimes for several days. Their violence is now increased by the consequences of global warming, experts have pointed out.
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**Interview with Carlos Manzón, President of the Valencia Region**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Carlos. The recent floods in the Valencia region have resulted in a tragic loss of life. What can you tell us about the current situation as search and rescue operations continue?
**Carlos Manzón:** Thank you for having me. The situation remains dire but we are doing everything we can. As of now, we are counting at least 95 confirmed fatalities, with search operations ongoing for those still missing. Emergency services have been working tirelessly, with about a thousand soldiers deployed alongside firefighters and police. We’ve conducted over 200 ground rescues and 70 air rescues, but it’s difficult as many roads remain blocked and some areas are still isolated.
**Editor:** The emotional impact of such an event must be immense for the families affected. How is the government supporting them during this tragic time?
**Carlos Manzón:** It is incredibly heart-wrenching. We have declared three days of mourning, and Prime Minister Pedro Sànchez will meet with affected families today. Our government’s priority is to ensure that these families do not feel abandoned. We are providing them with immediate assistance and psychological support as they navigate this horrific ordeal.
**Editor:** It’s reported that Paiporta has suffered particularly severe consequences. Can you share more about the impact in that area and any other regions that have been notably affected?
**Carlos Manzón:** Paiporta was one of the hardest hit areas with significant loss of life, including a mother and her three-month-old baby. The community is traumatized. Additionally, we have seen severe damage across various regions, with debris and wrecked cars blocking pathways. Our emergency services have been vital in reaching these communities, but clearing the infrastructure will take time.
**Editor:** With such overwhelming rainfall recorded, can we expect more natural disasters like this in the future? What are your thoughts on climate change and its implications for regions like Valencia?
**Carlos Manzón:** We must acknowledge the increasing unpredictability of weather patterns that climate change presents. This “cold drop” system has proven to be exceptionally powerful—as noted by experts—being the most intense we’ve encountered in 100 years. As a region, we are committed to implementing measures that enhance our preparedness and resilience against such natural disasters in the future.
**Editor:** Thank you, Carlos. We appreciate your insights during this incredibly challenging time. Our thoughts are with all the victims and their families.
**Carlos Manzón:** Thank you for having me, and our hearts go out to all those affected. We will continue to work diligently for recovery and rebuilding.
