Deadly floods in Spain: 95 dead as 'cold drop' wreaks havoc
The atmospheric phenomenon DANA, known as the "cold drop," is devastating Spain, resulting in deaths and massive destruction. The tragic toll from Tuesday's floods, primarily in Valencia, is rising. According to the latest data, at least 95 people have died.
7:59 AM EDT, October 31, 2024
Information from rescue services reveals that the number of fatalities from the violent floods in Spain has risen to 95. In Valencia, the region most affected by the catastrophe, 92 people have died. Two others have passed away in the Castilla-La Mancha region. Another victim succumbed in a hospital in Andalusia.
The violent storms and floods that have hit eastern Spain are due to an atmospheric phenomenon known as DANA (Spanish: depresión aislada en niveles altos, or isolated depression at high levels), also called the "cold drop." This phenomenon occurs when cold air masses clash with warm and moist air over the Mediterranean, leading to atmospheric instability.
DANA describes a mass of cold air cut off and isolated from the original stream. This air mass rises at lower levels, eventually leading to extreme weather conditions such as storms, tornadoes, or floods.
Wednesday brought more challenges as storms struck the northeastern and southern parts of the country. Red weather alerts have been issued in Catalonia and Cádiz in Andalusia, indicating the highest threat level.
In the province of Valencia, intense rescue operations involving the military are ongoing. Unfortunately, the number of victims may rise as many people are still missing. In response to this tragedy, the Spanish government has declared a three-day national mourning beginning on Thursday.
According to Reuters, this is the deadliest flood in Spain since 1996. The situation in the region is extremely serious, and officials are urging residents to exercise caution.
Source: PAP, CNN
