The death toll from the floods that hit Spain continues to rise. According to the latest official estimates, at least 158 ​​people have been confirmed dead, while the number of missing remains uncertain and is estimated at “dozens” according to authorities. The situation is comparable to the worst tragedies in the country’s recent history, such as the Atocha attack in 2004, which caused 193 deaths. In many of the flooded areas, especially in Valencia and nearby provinces, the devastation has left residents in a state of deep anguish and confusion about how to start over.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez warned that the emergency situation is not yet resolved and urged citizens to be careful: “The Dana will continue, so we must be cautious.” During a visit to L’Eliana, where the rescue effort is being coordinated, he asked to follow the instructions of local authorities. As preparations for a long holiday weekend continue, weather alerts remain active in several areas of the country.

The most affected area remains the hinterland of Valencia, where the damage is extensive. Trains will be stopped for at least 15 days and many roads are impassable. In Paiporta, 45 deaths have been recorded, including six residents of a retirement home. The death toll continues to rise in Sedaví, where rescuers are still searching through the rubble. Many bodies are being transferred to the Palace of Justice in Valencia, where a temporary mortuary has been set up.

The search for the missing is ongoing and involves over a thousand soldiers who operate “house to house”. Sánchez assured that every means will be used to find the missing people. King Felipe VI thanked the rescuers and praised the heroic acts of the citizens who helped in the rescue. The Pope also expressed solidarity with the affected population.

Amid the pain and devastation, there is unfortunately no shortage of looting: 39 people were arrested for thefts in specialized shops. Political controversies over the management of the emergency continue to rage, but attention remains focused on the immediate need to guarantee essential goods in the most affected areas.

More than 120,000 people have already been displaced, with many taking refuge in hotels in the region. The army is working to restore traffic on more than 119 roads cut off by mud and debris. However, entire communities remain buried under the mud, while urgent requests for help are coming from Sedaví to recover bodies and provide food to residents left without resources. The situation also remains critical for transport: high-speed rail links between Madrid and Valencia are suspended, as are motorways in the Mediterranean corridor.