The severe DANA (Isolated Depression at High Levels) extreme weather event has claimed more than 100 lives, with recent reports confirming nine additional casualties in La Torre, Valencia. So far, 101 people have died in Valencia alone, bringing the national toll to 104. Many people remain missing, with authorities unable to confirm an exact figure. Efforts continue across affected regions to locate those still unaccounted for, adding to the growing challenges of a crisis that has left the country in deep mourning.

Ongoing Rescue Operations and Shelter for Displaced Residents

Rescue teams in Valencia work tirelessly, focusing on debris clearance as weather conditions prevent air operations. Emergency services have set up shelters for 447 residents displaced by the flooding, and emergency teams have responded to 21 essential supply requests since Wednesday evening. With electricity outages impacting areas across Valencia, power company Iberdrola has managed to restore service to 42,000 of the 155,000 affected, yet many regions remain without power.

Nuestro compañero Daniel, subinspector de @policia destinado en #Valencia, estando anoche fuera de servicio logró mantener a flote a una vecina cuando estaba siendo arrastrada por la corriente en Benetúser

Instantes antes salvó a otra vecina gracias a una cuerda que hizo con… pic.twitter.com/FRfoOj0RTt

— Policía Nacional (@policia) October 31, 2024

Extreme Weather Warnings and Forecast

The DANA’s impact remains intense, with the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) raising the alert level to orange for heavy rain in Teruel and Tarragona and red for Castellón’s northern and southern coasts. These alerts have prompted the Generalitat to issue mobile warnings urging Castellón residents to avoid travel and stay in elevated areas.

⚠️ ALERTA ROJA EN CASTELLÓN. Riesgo grave de inundaciones. AEMET acaba de emitir comunicado de alerta roja por lluvias de hasta 180 mm.

Se ha desbordado el río Cèrvol en Vinaros y la rambla Cervera en Benicarló. pic.twitter.com/1rPXD5yWJX

— Alt Right España 𝕏 (@AltRightEspan) October 31, 2024

Prime Minister’s Plea for Caution and Continued Aid

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who visited Valencia to assess the crisis, extended his gratitude to emergency teams and urged residents of Valencia and Castellón to remain indoors, emphasizing the storm’s continued danger. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to locating missing persons and pledged extensive financial resources for regional recovery. Authorities, including the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT), have also urged residents to minimize travel, especially with disrupted road access and significant water damage on major routes like the A-3 and A-7.

La DANA continúa. Por favor atendamos las recomendaciones de los servicios de emergencia. Ahora mismo lo más importante es salvaguardar la vida de todos.

El Gobierno de España está con las víctimas y sus familias. Así será, todo el tiempo que sea necesario.

Con todos los… pic.twitter.com/RKERQ5gO83

— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) October 31, 2024

Forecast for the Coming Days

According to Aemet, further rainfall is forecast across southwest Spain, Cataluña, Andalucía, and the Balearic Islands. Residents are encouraged to stay updated on weather alerts, avoid travel, and heed warnings from local officials as cleanup and recovery efforts continue across the affected regions.

31/10 12:01 #AEMET #FMA nivel rojo por lluvias para hoy en C. Valenciana . Imagen en vigor a las 12:01 (tabla actualizada haciendo CLIC EN LA IMAGEN), o visite https://t.co/aIJV7DDYto https://t.co/hOoqDnUKas

— AEMET (@AEMET_Esp) October 31, 2024

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 organizations collecting donations of essential items. The N332 is posting some of these locations on its Facebook page.

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.

Main image: X/@LuisdelRomero