October 31, 2024
They dig in the mud in search of the missing the day after the flood that devastated Valencia. The provisional toll is now over one hundred victims after the discovery of eight bodies in a garage in the La Torre district. Numbers that could further increase in the next few hours. The passage of the disturbance, a phenomenon called by meteorologists Dana (isolated depression at high levelsisolated depression at high levels) which saw a year’s worth of rain fall in eight hours, left scenes of devastation in the Spanish city and neighboring towns. Roads and highways, covered in mud, are full of piled up carcasses of cars and trucks. The region has remained partially isolated, there are at least 100 thousand displaced people and several roads and railway lines have been interrupted. In this video the dramatic images.
The latest tragic news comes from the La Torre and Castellar neighborhoods. The mayor of Valencia, Maria Josè Català, announced that eight bodies were found in a garage in La Torre: among them there was also a local police officer. In the same area, the body of a woman was found in a house. Three deaths had already been recorded yesterday, and a thirteenth victim died in hospital. The mayor said she was not sure of the overall numbers: so far, Valencia’s official toll was 92. The updated one will be released later in the day.
Meanwhile, the weather situation continues to get complicated. The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet), reports El Paìs, has issued a red alert – the maximum level – for Castellón and orange in Cadiz, Teruel and Tarragona. In total, there are six communities under observation: Andalusia, Aragon, Castilla y León, Catalonia, Extremadura, Valencian Community and Ceuta.
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**Interview with Elena Torres, Local Journalist in Valencia**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Elena. It’s been nearly 24 hours since the devastating flood hit Valencia. Can you describe what the scene is like on the ground?
**Elena Torres:** Thank you for having me. The scene is truly heart-wrenching. Many areas of the city are still submerged, and the aftermath of the flood is evident everywhere. Emergency teams and volunteers are working tirelessly, digging through the mud in hopes of finding those who are still missing. The community is coming together, but the atmosphere is heavy with uncertainty and concern.
**Editor:** What can you tell us about the response from local authorities and rescue teams?
**Elena Torres:** Local authorities have deployed rescue teams, including firefighters and emergency responders, who are coordinating search and rescue operations. They’ve set up temporary shelters for displaced residents. The response has been swift, but the scale of the disaster is overwhelming, and they are facing many challenges as they search for missing persons.
**Editor:** Have you spoken to any residents affected by the flood?
**Elena Torres:** Yes, I’ve spoken with several residents, and their stories are both heartbreaking and inspiring. Many have lost everything but are still focused on helping each other. One woman I spoke to was distraught over her missing neighbors but was already organizing a group to help restore homes as soon as it’s safe to do so. The resilience of the people here is truly remarkable.
**Editor:** What are the immediate needs of the community right now?
**Elena Torres:** Right now, the community needs clean water, food, and medical supplies for those injured or affected by the flood. Local organizations are setting up donation points, but they need help from outside the region as well. The psychological impact of this disaster is also significant, and mental health support will be crucial as the recovery begins.
**Editor:** What can people outside of Valencia do to help?
**Elena Torres:** People can contribute by donating to local charities and organizations working on the ground. Fundraising campaigns have already begun, so financial contributions are incredibly helpful. Additionally, spreading the word about the situation will raise awareness and hopefully bring in more aid from outside sources.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Elena. We wish the best for Valencia in these difficult times.
**Elena Torres:** Thank you for covering this story. It’s vital that the world knows what is happening here so that we can get the support we desperately need.
