Spain’s DANA Storm: Key Updates, Affected Areas, and How to Report Missing Persons

Spain is grappling with the devastating effects of a severe DANA (Isolated High-Level Depression), a meteorological phenomenon that has caused catastrophic flooding, particularly in the Valencia region. 

According to El Pais, at least 158 deaths have been reported, including 155 in the Comunidad Valenciana alone, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in recent Spanish history. 

Roads, homes and public infrastructure have been severely affected, with more than 150 roads closed and communities struggling to access essential services. 

The government has declared an official period of mourning, underlining the severity of the crisis and the widespread damage caused by the relentless rain and overflowing rivers along the Mediterranean coast.

DANA (Isolated High-Level Depression), an intense weather system characterised by heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, hit Spain's Mediterranean regions with unprecedented force, causing devastating floods. 

This meteorological event first brought torrential rain to much of Spain on 25-27 October, as a powerful Atlantic front moved across the peninsula, affecting areas from Galicia to the north-east and setting the stage for extreme flooding.

On 28 October, the heavy rainfall escalated, mainly affecting Valencia and parts of Andalusia, but also reaching the Balearic Islands. This intense weather system brought severe thunderstorms and localised flooding to towns and cities in these regions. 

On 30 October, the Spanish government declared three days of national mourning, from 31 October to 2 November, as a gesture of solidarity with the families of those killed or missing in the devastating floods of 29 and 30 October. While the heavy rains have begun to subside in areas such as Cádiz, there is still significant damage to roads, homes and public services in the affected regions.

By 31 October, the authorities had confirmed a staggering 158 deaths, 155 of them in the Comunidad Valenciana, underlining the scale of the tragedy. The worst affected area was the La Torre neighbourhood of Valencia, where floodwaters swept through a residential garage, killing eight people trapped inside. Nearby towns and villages faced overwhelming water levels, forcing residents to relocate in search of food and water as public infrastructure was overwhelmed.

To support rescue efforts and public safety, the government of Valencia issued several warnings, urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel. By midday, many roads in the region remained blocked by water, mud and debris. 

On 1 November, the death toll continued to rise, reaching 202 confirmed deaths, with around 250 people still unaccounted for, highlighting the growing scale of the tragedy. 

The majority of the dead - some 195 people - were in the Comunidad Valenciana, underlining the severe impact of the relentless storms on the region. 

Rescuers focused their efforts on neighbourhoods such as La Torre, Valencia, where floodwaters had inundated residential areas and caused significant casualties, including eight people trapped in a submerged garage.

In response, additional emergency units, including 10,000 soldiers and specialised police forces, were deployed to the affected regions to assist with search and rescue operations. However, persistent flooding, combined with mud and debris, continued to impede access to many areas, complicating efforts to locate missing persons.

On 2 November, infrastructure challenges remained critical as Valencia's metro service remained offline. In response, the Generalitat Valenciana introduced 12 emergency bus routes to support essential travel within the region. Valencia's Feria site was transformed into a central command centre, housing temporary logistics, shelter and relief supplies.

By 3 November, the Spanish Ministry of Labour had approved 75 temporary employment schemes (ERTE) to support affected businesses, affecting more than 300 workers whose workplaces were rendered unusable by the floods. Economic losses were estimated at more than €10 billion as the impact of DANA spanned sectors from education to agriculture, affecting some 62,000 businesses and more than 370,000 workers in Valencia and surrounding areas.

On 4 November, relief efforts continued to expand, with aid initiatives including the Autonomous University of Madrid's donation drive for specialised supplies such as medical and nutritional items for people with special needs. In addition, the Spanish Football Federation set up a crisis committee to support damaged sports facilities in affected communities, reinforcing the widespread impact of the floods.

As of 5 November, efforts to restore basic infrastructure and services continued. The Spanish government issued guidelines to help residents recover lost documents, including identification and property records, which are essential for accessing emergency aid. The financial sector also announced a three-month moratorium on loan payments for affected households and small businesses, and international support, including a €1 million pledge from Guinea Ecuatorial, bolstered Spain's recovery efforts.

These coordinated actions underline the scale of the disaster as Spain faces an extensive recovery process, with local, national and international resources converging to support affected communities.

The regions most affected by the recent DANA (Isolated Depression at High Levels) include the Comunidad Valenciana, parts of Andalusia and Castilla-La Mancha. 

In Valencia, areas such as the La Torre neighbourhood were hit by catastrophic flooding, tragically resulting in a high number of deaths. 

According to the latest reports, emergency services are continuing to work in flooded neighbourhoods, where water damage has destroyed many homes and vehicles.

• Valencia: With some of the worst impacts, Valencia remains on alert. Flooding has disrupted access to several parts of the city and clean-up operations are underway as authorities strive to clear main roads and assist residents who have been displaced or have suffered property damage.

• Castilla-La Mancha: The town of Letur in Albacete is one of the worst affected. Local authorities are working with rescue teams to assess the damage, and some areas remain under close surveillance due to river flooding.

• Andalusia: In Cádiz, where the initial rainfall posed a serious risk, the waters have begun to recede. Local authorities have reopened some areas, but road closures remain in place, particularly in the smaller municipalities. Schools in the province of Cádiz have also been temporarily closed for safety reasons.

• Tarragona (Catalonia): In Tarragona, the Generalitat issued mobile alerts to residents advising them to avoid unnecessary travel due to the continued risk of rain and possible road damage.

Efforts to restore normalcy are ongoing, with local authorities coordinating closely with national authorities to repair damage, address safety concerns and provide assistance to affected residents.

1. Family Support Line for Missing Persons in Valencia

• Telephone: 📞900 365 112
• Purpose: The Generalitat Valenciana has set up this line specifically to assist the families of those missing as a result of the DANA storm. This line is exclusively for enquiries and reports about people who have disappeared as a result of the natural disaster, helping to avoid overload and ensuring direct access for search and rescue coordination.

2. General emergency contacts in Spain

• Civil Guard emergency hotline: 📞062
• National Police Emergency Hotline: 📞091
• Emergency services (for all life-threatening situations) 📞112

3. General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) for travel or movement restrictions due to the storm:

• Traffic status enquiries: 📞 011
• General enquiries (to report traffic problems or other concerns) 📞060
• International contact (for those outside Spain who need information): 📞+34 902 887 060
  

4. For non-emergency enquiries or traffic information

• Automated Assistance is Available 24 hours a day on 📞060 and agent assistance is available Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 18:00. This line may be useful if you're concerned about road conditions affecting access to affected areas.

5.Local Red Cross support in affected areas

• The Red Cross has mobilised resources to help those affected by DANA. You can contact the Spanish Red Cross for more information or support specific to the affected regions through their website or local offices.

According to the latest reports from AEMET (Agencia Estatal de Meteorología), the intense rain and storm activity will continue to affect Spain, particularly in the Mediterranean regions, the province of Huelva and the Balearic Islands. 

AEMET has issued severe weather warnings, forecasting further rain and thunderstorms on 1 November, which could worsen the existing flooding situation. The agency is advising residents in these areas to keep up to date with weather warnings via its website and mobile app, as conditions remain unstable.

Over the next three weeks, lower temperatures and persistent low pressure systems are expected across Spain, with the Canary Islands also likely to see significant rainfall. 

Residents in northern and northeastern regions should be prepared for persistent rain and occasional snow at higher altitudes, especially in the Pyrenees.

Coastal winds are expected to remain strong in Galicia and Cantabria, with similar conditions along the Mediterranean coast, making travel and outdoor activities risky.

As there is still uncertainty about the exact trajectory of the storms, AEMET advises caution in the affected areas and recommends that residents closely follow official updates as conditions develop.

According to the latest AEMET forecast for 5 November 2024, heavy rain and storms are expected to continue across Spain. 

Northern Extremadura, the Aragonese Pyrenees, Catalonia and parts of Castellón will continue to experience heavy rain, while an Atlantic front will bring showers with localised heavy downpours to southern Galicia, western Andalusia, Castilla y León and Extremadura.

Slightly warmer temperatures are forecast for the eastern regions and the Canary Islands, although light frost may occur in high areas such as the Pyrenees and Sierra Nevada. AEMET advises residents to stay informed as conditions remain unstable.

Spain has a comprehensive flood risk management strategy led by both national and local authorities. The country's approach includes monitoring by the National Meteorological Agency (AEMET) and preventive action by the Ministry of Ecological Transition. 

The Hydrographic Confederations within Spain's river basins coordinate conservation and protection efforts, particularly in high-risk flood zones. Measures include regulating construction, establishing early warning systems and creating infrastructure to manage water overflows in vulnerable areas. 

Key frameworks, such as the European Floods Directive, have been transposed into Spanish law to improve the coordination of responses at all levels of government, particularly in areas at high risk of flooding.

In response to the recent tragic events, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his support for the affected regions and confirmed that national resources would be mobilised to address the immediate crisis and support recovery efforts. 

He also emphasised the importance of long-term planning to address climate-related threats such as increased flooding and drought, and reiterated the government's commitment to environmental resilience initiatives across the country.

"Nuestros corazones están con todos los afectados por las devastadoras inundaciones y tormentas en España. Acompañamos en el dolor a las familias que han perdido a sus seres queridos y apoyamos a todos aquellos que trabajan para ayudar a las comunidades a recuperarse y reconstruir. Spaincheck.com está con ustedes."

"Our hearts go out to all those affected by the devastating floods and storms in Spain. We grieve with the families who have lost loved ones and support all those working to help communities recover and rebuild. Spaincheck.com stands with you."

Seguid siendo fuertes, 

Stay strong, 

Izi y Tanya