Spain mourns 95 victims: Deadly floods devastate Valencia
The atmospheric phenomenon DANA, known as the "cold drop", is wreaking havoc in Spain, leading to deaths and significant destruction. The tragic toll of Tuesday's floods, mainly in Valencia, continues to climb. According to the latest data, at least 95 people have lost their lives.
31 October 2024 07:34
Based on information from the rescue services, the death toll from the flash floods in Spain has reached 95. In the region most impacted by this catastrophe, Valencia, 92 people have perished. Two other people have died in Castilla-La Mancha, while another victim of the floods in Andalusia succumbed to injuries in hospital.
The severe storms and floods affecting eastern Spain are caused by an atmospheric phenomenon known as DANA (Spanish: depresión aislada en niveles altos, isolated depression at high levels) or "cold drop." This phenomenon occurs when cold air masses encounter warm and humid air over the Mediterranean, resulting in atmospheric instability.
The mass of cold air that becomes detached and isolated from its original stream characterises DANA. It descends to lower levels, generating extreme weather conditions like storms, tornadoes, or floods.
Further challenges arose on Wednesday as storms battered the north-eastern and southern parts of the country. In Catalonia and Cadiz in Andalusia, red weather alerts were issued, indicating the highest level of threat.
Intense rescue operations involving the military are in progress in the province of Valencia. There is a possibility that the number of victims may tragically increase, as many individuals are still reported missing. In light of this tragedy, the Spanish government has declared three days of national mourning on Thursday.
According to Reuters, this is the deadliest flood in Spain since 1996. The situation in the region is extremely grave, and the authorities are appealing to residents to exercise caution.
Source: PAP, CNN
