WHILE many Spanish residents prepare to celebrate Halloween and “castañada” chestnut-roasting events this weekend, others are in a disaster state. Mountain-dwelling ‘Granadinos’ can spare a thought for the hundreds of people – many in the Valencia region – whose lives are badly affected by this week’s “dana” storm. At least 51 people have lost their lives.
Meteorological agencies say that up to 240mm/hr rain fell in parts of Valencia. However, some reports claim concentrations of 500mm/hr in the worst-afflicted places. In some municipalities, this represents a whole year’s rainfall all at once.
“Worst in decades”
With the torrential rain, focused over a short time period, causing extensive and unexpected flash flooding, the storm is said to be the worst incident of its kind in.”decades”.
Today’s news is a true horror show, with reports of 51 people dead throughout Spain and many others missing, houses and commercial properties damaged, crops ruined, and vehicles washed away and destroyed.
Search for living and deceased
The Spanish military emergency force, UME, is searching for dead or live bodies using thermal imaging cameras. Some people were airlifted from their roofs using helicopters. Gas station roofs – with their large, flat, surfaces – were used by some affected people to escape the floodwater.
People living in some flooded towns are stuck in community shelters awaiting re-access to their homes – with the minimum intention of retrieving vital possessions.
Problems in Málaga province
Damages also been reported closer to Granada region, on the Costa del Sol, including Alora, Nerja, Málaga, and Marbella. Meanwhile, greenhouse owners in neighbouring Almería province report destruction of their crops because of inundations of ‘agua’.
At Málaga Airport yesterday, planes were disallowed take-off and landing because this is dangerous doing heavy storm activity and storm cells.
The AVE train between Madrid and Valencia is suspended until further notice.
A state of sadness
Instead of preparing to celebrate Halloween, All Saint’s Day, chestnuts, and the turning of the seasons, many people are in a state of “tristeza” (sadness). They are, instead, clearing a tide of mud or trying to claim insurance on their car or home. In the worst cases, they are searching for friends and relatives who are declared missing.
Some areas of Spain – including Tarragona, Castellon and Seville – have Yellow and Orange weather warnings from AEMET for continued rainfall today.