Last fall devastating floods hit Spainʼs Valencia region causing unprecedented damage and deaths - the worst flood disaster in the nations modern history. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced that over 210 people lost their lives while many others remain missing
The government quickly started its biggest-ever peace-time response: sending 7500 military personnel (including 5000 new troops that joined 2500 already there) to help with search-and-rescue operations. The iconic City of Arts and Sciences became the main hub for co-ordinating all rescue work; many local people showed up to help with clean-up efforts
A ray of hope emerged when rescue teams found a survivor in Montcada - a woman who stayed alive being trapped in a car-park for 3 days. Local residents in Picanya (a Valencia suburb) face tough times: “We dont have basic things like fridges or washing machines; we cant even take showers“ said Emilia‚ a 74-year old shop-owner
The disaster ranks as Europeʼs most severe flood event since the Portuguese tragedy about 57 years ago. Scientists point to Mediterranean warming as key factor: higher water temps lead to more evaporation; causing stronger rain storms. Weather services warn that more rain might hit Valencia Catalonia and Balearic Islands soon