The severe weather event known as DANA (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos, or Isolated High-Level Depression) has resulted in tragic consequences across Spain, particularly in the Valencia region, which remains the hardest hit. With a reported 95 deaths and many more still missing, emergency services continue extensive rescue operations. The impact spans beyond Valencia, reaching Castilla-La Mancha and Andalucía, where lives have also been lost.

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Catastrophic Impact Across Regions

In the worst-affected areas, thousands have faced harrowing circumstances. People in Valencia spent the night on top of vehicles or on roofs to avoid rising waters, awaiting rescue. Roads such as the A-3 and A-7 are closed, with rail lines, including the high-speed AVE from Madrid to Valencia, suspended. In Málaga, a 71-year-old British man sadly succumbed to injuries from the floods, while many continue to face dangerous conditions.

Power Outages and Transportation Disruptions

Flooding has led to severe power outages affecting over 115,000 people, and the effects continue to ripple through Valencia’s infrastructure. Train services and major motorways remain disrupted, and authorities have recommended avoiding travel in heavily impacted areas. The Guardia Civil and local police are actively involved in ongoing rescues, with around 2,500 people rescued so far but there are more than 1,200 people currently trapped between the A-3 and A-7 at time of writing.

Storm Moves West, Threatening More Regions

The storm is now moving toward Extremadura and southern Cataluña, and Cádiz remains under severe weather alerts due to expected heavy rainfall of up to 120 liters per square meter in just 12 hours. In Sevilla, several provincial roads have been flooded, with closures in place, while in Andalucía, authorities have postponed events and closed parks as a safety measure.

EU Offers Aid and Support for Spain

In the aftermath of Spain’s most devastating DANA storm in a century, the European Union has pledged its support to help the affected communities recover. EU leaders extended their condolences to the families of the 95 confirmed victims and promised rapid mobilization of resources for relief and recovery efforts.

The EU has deployed specialized teams and additional funding, coordinating with Spain’s emergency services to provide aid and assist in the search and rescue operations still underway in hard-hit regions like Valencia and Castilla-La Mancha. EU support will also assist with infrastructure repair and rebuilding efforts.

Government Declares Three Days of National Mourning

In response to the tragedy, Spain’s government has declared three days of official mourning and is proposing to designate affected areas as ‘catastrophic zones,’ making sure those affected receive the necessary support for recovery and rebuilding.

Most city and town halls are cancelling upcoming events so please check their social media pages before attending any local events.

Red Cross, Military, and Local Efforts for Rescue and Relief

Spain’s emergency response teams, including military psychologists, specialized Guardia Civil units, and search dogs, are working round the clock to find those missing and assist those in need. The Red Cross has opened shelters and is actively providing aid to affected families. Volunteers are gathering donations of food, clothing, and essential items for people who lost everything. Donations can be made through:

• Cruz Roja (Red Cross): Donors can contribute through their website, phone (900 104 971), Bizum at 33512, or by texting AYUDA to 38092.
• Banco de Alimentos (Food Bank), Valencia: Volunteers are collecting donations at the Mestalla football stadium.
• Cáritas Emergency Fund: Donations to Cáritas in Valencia and Albacete are being channeled through dedicated bank accounts (Caixa Popular and Caixabank), with details available on their website.

There are lots of local businesses and organisations collecting donations of essential items. We will include some below but many are being posted on local Facebook groups and pages also.

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DANA Assistance Resources

During the ongoing DANA situation, it’s vital to stay informed and seek help if needed. Residents can contact the following numbers for assistance:

• 112
• National Police: 091
• Guardia Civil: 062

Those looking for information about missing persons in Valencia can contact the Generalitat Valenciana’s dedicated line at 900 365 112.

For real-time weather updates and alerts, visit the AEMET (Agencia Estatal de Meteorología) website at aemet.es. Additionally, it’s a good idea to follow your local town hall’s social media channels, where they frequently share weather alerts and updates specific to your area. Staying connected to these resources can help you and you stay safe during this challenging time.