Located south of Barcelona along the Mediterranean coast, the city of Valencia recently faced its most devastating natural disaster in years. This popular tourist destination is renowned for its beaches, citrus groves and for being the birthplace of the iconic rice dish, paella.

Here’s everything you need to know about the situation in Spain.

What happened in Spain?

Severe storms caused severe flooding in parts of southern and eastern Spain on Tuesday, a phenomenon known locally as DANA (an acronym for isolated high altitude depression).

Meteorologists reported that parts of Valencia received a year’s worth of rain in just eight hours, causing significant damage to farms in a region that produces almost two-thirds of Spain’s citrus fruits.

The scale of the flooding currently occurring in Valencia, Spain is unimaginable. This is footage from Chiva, where a staggering 343mm of rain was recorded in just 4 hours earlier today, between 4:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Video credit: Nalabcer pic.twitter.com/WdCgUifavQ

– Nahel Belgherze (@WxNB_) October 29, 2024

Spain is still recovering from a severe drought and has experienced record temperatures in recent years. Scientists suggest that the increasing frequency of extreme weather events is likely linked to climate change, as prolonged drought conditions make it more difficult for land to absorb large amounts of water.

How many people were killed?

At least 95 people have died in flash floods that hit the Spanish region of Valencia and surrounding areas, according to authorities. The death toll could rise as some people remain missing.

How have recovery and relief efforts progressed?

More than 1,000 soldiers from Spain’s emergency response units have been deployed to affected areas, and the central government has created a crisis committee to coordinate relief efforts. However, these efforts were hampered by downed power lines, which cut off electricity, as well as collapsed telephone networks and impassable roads. Valencia’s emergency services urge citizens to avoid all road travel and to stay informed through official channels.

Carlos Mazonthe regional president of Valencia, said during a press conference that some people remain isolated in inaccessible places. “If (help) did not arrive, it is not due to a lack of means or predisposition, but to a problem of access,” explains Mazon.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez assured those affected that they would not be abandoned, saying: “For those looking for their loved ones, all of Spain feels your pain. Our priority is to help you. We are putting all the necessary resources in place to recover from this tragedy. »

However, he warned that the danger is not yet over, although rains eased in Valencia late Wednesday morning, as the storm continues to move north. “We must not let our guard down as the weather front continues to wreak havoc and we cannot say that this devastating episode is over.”

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said the EU would help coordinate rescue teams using its Copernicus satellite geomonitoring system.