The Spanish province of Valencia is experiencing one of the worst natural disasters in its recent history after Hurricane “Dana” struck, resulting in the deaths of 63 people as of this morning, including children, while many people are still reported missing. Spanish authorities expect that determining the final toll will take at least two days, given the prevailing state of emergency.

The heavy rains accompanying the hurricane caused massive flooding, sweeping through multiple areas along the riverbanks. Images and videos circulating on social media reflected the extent of the devastation, as waters inundated streets, swept away cars and trucks, and even garbage containers, while in some cases, the water reached the first floors of buildings.

Rescue operations began in the early hours, but emergency teams faced significant challenges in reaching those trapped.

High-speed train services between Valencia and Madrid have been suspended due to the severe damage inflicted on the railway network, including an incident of a train derailing near Malaga, although no injuries have been reported.

Autumn storms have become a common phenomenon in Spain, with the country experiencing severe weather conditions, including extreme drought earlier this year.

Experts point out that these harsh climatic conditions are directly linked to climate change, increasing the frequency and intensity of these phenomena.

Criticism and calls for expedited response

The delay in evacuating some workers in the affected areas has sparked a wave of criticism on social media, where activists described the situation as “inhuman,” especially with the siege that those workers faced in their workplaces amid the strong winds and flooding.

In the aftermath of the disaster, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who cut short his official visit to India, announced that he is closely monitoring the situation, calling on residents to adhere to emergency instructions. He confirmed that all civil protection units, emergency services, police, and the civil guard have been deployed to handle the situation, emphasizing the need for caution and avoiding unnecessary travel.

Weather forecasts and the disaster's impact on infrastructure

The Spanish meteorological agency issued warnings for continued heavy rains, predicting that storms will move to the northern areas of Valencia, Aragon, southern Navarre, and western Andalusia. An orange alert has also been activated in some areas, including Seville and Cadiz, in anticipation of more than 80 mm of rainfall accumulating within 12 hours.

Regarding infrastructure, it has been significantly damaged as roads have collapsed and public transport services have been disrupted. The Hydrographic Union of Jucar indicated that the Forata reservoir, which faced massive water inflows, has begun to stabilize slowly.

Rescue operations continue amid rising fears of an increasing death toll, as this hurricane is considered one of the most dangerous natural disasters to hit Spain.