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Three Months After the DANA: Three People Still Unaccounted for
DANA Valencia three months later The International Reporter

Three Months After the DANA: Three People Still Unaccounted for

On October 29, 2024, three months ago today, a disaster struck the region of Valencia that forever changed the lives of thousands. A powerful DANA (isolated depression at high levels) swept through the province, leaving behind a trail of destruction. In the aftermath, 224 people lost their lives, and many communities are still struggling to recover.

As of January 2025, the impact of the floods continues to be felt, with 28 towns, out of 266 affected, still in a state of emergency, requiring ongoing support. Some of these areas, like Paiporta, Aldaia, and Utiel, are still struggling to return to normal.


The Heartbreak of the Missing

Despite the passing months, three families are still waiting for answers. The search for the missing has been relentless, but there are still no signs of their loved ones. Francisco Ruiz, 64, is one of the three who vanished that day. He was last seen in Montserrat, where he heroically put his two grandchildren on the roof of his car to keep them safe before he disappeared in the floodwaters.

His daughter, Saray, has been told that the search might not bring him home, but she hasn’t given up hope. Soon, she will take the necessary steps to declare his death, a process allowed by law after three months for disappearances caused by disasters. It’s a painful step, but one that many families of the missing are now facing.

Saray is not alone. Elisabeth Gil, 37, and her mother were caught in the flood near the Cheste circuit. Elisabeth’s mother was tragically thrown from the car and found later, but Elisabeth has not been found. Her uncle, Ernesto, is now working to ensure that Elisabeth’s children, ages 19 and 4, can receive legal support through her death certificate.

Another heartbreaking story is that of José Javier Vicent, 56. He was with his daughter in Pedralba when the floods hit. His daughter’s body was found 60 kilometers away, but there has been no trace of José. His wife remembers the last message he sent: a WhatsApp describing the rising waters near their home. Since then, no one has heard from him.

The Ongoing Search Efforts

Authorities, including the Guardia Civil, firefighters, and specialized teams, have continued the search with all available resources, including drones, cadaver dogs, and expert teams focused on finding traces of the missing. While the search efforts are tireless, officials are realistic about the challenges. According to Carlos Domínguez, head of the Seprona (Environmental Protection Service), the chances of finding the missing are slim, but every lead is pursued.

The search is now focused on areas where bodies or cars could have been carried by the floodwaters, including ravines and the La Albufera area.

Recovery and Support for the Community

In the wake of the disaster, the recovery process has been massive. Military personnel and emergency teams have been working around the clock to clear mud from homes, garages, and businesses, while also cleaning up ravines and beaches. Over 500,000 tons of debris and 90,000 vehicles have been removed from affected areas.

Despite the scale of the destruction, the community has shown incredible resilience, with organizations like the Food Bank of Valencia providing essential support.

A Long Road Ahead

Three months later, the road to recovery for Valencia remains long. While some families now have the legal right to declare their missing loved ones dead, others continue to hold out hope for answers. The memory of that fateful day is still fresh in the minds of many, and the scars, both physical and emotional, will take time to heal.

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John

Jesus it’s so sad. It was such a terrible tragedy 😢

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