This man was captured by the Civil Guard while looting a store selling exclusive tennis and clothing brands in Valencia. Foto: Screenshot
While the Spanish relief agencies concentrate all their actions to search for missing people and care for thousands of people who lost everything due to the floods caused by Dana, Some have dedicated themselves to looting supermarkets, shopping centers and stores.
These acts, described as vile by the authorities of Valencia, ground zero of the emergency, overshadow the acts of solidarity of volunteers who, without food or water, dedicate their hours to help those most in need due to the devastation.
This is like this, the usual people doing the usual thing at the worst moment, that’s where you can see what the personality of the people is like, some collaborating and others looting while the government does nothing…#FLOOD #AEMET #Looting#SinLuz #Valencia #alert #HDGPpic.twitter.com/SD5HcekVud
— Al Hilo 🐦 (@By_Dahega) October 30, 2024
In videos published on social networks, people are seen entering commercial premises not only to take essential items, such as water and food, but also with electronic devices, watches and jewelry.
⛈ They denounce looting by gypsies and immigrants in Valencia taking advantage of DANA: “You have it in your blood” #Immigration #Climate pic.twitter.com/82sAgYve7O
— Info 288 (@info288) October 31, 2024
The spokesman for the Civil Guard of Valencia, Pablo Cea, informed Channel 24 that, from the beginning, they knew that acts like these were going to occur, however, they did not foresee that there would be so many. And between last Thursday, October 31 and Friday, November 1, 24 people were arrested in flagrante delicto.
#GCOperations | Work of #security y #surveillance of commercial areas affected by the #DANA in the province of #Valencia.
⚠️11 people arrested and 1 minor investigated for robberies in shopping centers.
▶️For 4 of them, prison has been ordered.#Collaborate 📞062… pic.twitter.com/x897cnXran
— Guardia Civil (@guardiacivil) October 31, 2024
He also revealed that They have identified 183 people and 75 vehicles that may have participated in these acts of vandalism. who would have forcibly entered various commercial establishments affected by the floods.
Fights during the looting of Valencia. They rob businesses and the idle trucks that supply the businesses. In tragedy the MANURE of society emerges.pic.twitter.com/b2AMPA5nFb
— Captain Bitcoin (@CapitanBitcoin) October 30, 2024
“We are not talking about people who out of necessity take water or medicine, but about others who steal 25 paddle tennis rackets from a sports store or take watches,” Cea said to the Spanish channel.
The Provincial Prosecutor’s Office of Valencia assured that it will request provisional detention for all detainees for this type of robbery while they advance with the investigations. If found guilty, they could face up to six years in prison.
Merchants affected
The store owners live two dramas at the same time. In addition to the floods that affected their businesses, they have to endure people with bad intentions stealing the little that was saved.
Miguel, who is the owner of a pharmacy in Paiporta, told the Canal 13 He understands that they could not foresee the flood and that it was very difficult to save what they had given the conditions, but what astonishes him is “the evil of the people” that has now left him in ruin.
“Everything that the water did not take away, people have taken away. “I think about right now, I don’t think beyond right now, because otherwise I get depressed,” the man expressed to the media.
🗣️ «Everything that the water did not take away, the people have taken away»
💊 Miguel, a resident of Paiporta (Valencia), tells how he has been left with nothing due to DANA and the looting in his pharmacy pic.twitter.com/LU3MSBUK2X
— THIRTEEN (@THIRCE_es) November 1, 2024
Deaths increase
Official figures from the Spanish Government indicate that, until now, they are 211 people who lost their lives after the floods that occurred due to the passage of the Dana in three provinces of the Iberian country. The majority of the deaths are recorded in the Community of Valencia with 208 cases.
The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez sent 4,000 more soldiers to the disaster area this Saturday and another 1,000 will arrive this Sunday. He said that they will also reinforce security with 5,000 National Police and Civil Guard agents, so they would have a total of 10,000 troops to help in the province.
2024-11-02 21:55:00
#video #Looting #Valencia #Spain #shadow #tragedy #leaves #dead
Eople who take advantage of a tragedy like this.” He expressed his frustration and sadness at witnessing his community being further victimized during such a vulnerable time.
Furthermore, another shopkeeper in Valencia lamented that the looting has left them feeling even more hopeless. “We have lost everything to the floods, and now we are being robbed as well,” he stated, emphasizing the double jeopardy faced by business owners. He mentioned how during the initial chaos of the flooding, they had worked to salvage what they could, but now find it hard to comprehend how others could act so selfishly.
Authorities have increased patrols in affected areas to deter looting, but the sheer volume of incidents has made it challenging. The public’s response has been mixed, with many expressing outrage over the looting while also showing support for the relief efforts happening amidst the disaster.
As the situation unfolds, it is clear that the aftermath of the floods has brought to light not just the physical devastation, but also a deeper reflection on societal values and the moral dilemmas faced during crises.
