Spain Mobilizes Massive Response to Devastating DANA Storm

In the wake of the catastrophic DANA storm that has ravaged parts of Spain, particularly the Comunidad Valenciana, the Spanish government has launched an unprecedented response to mitigate the disaster's impact.

Government Deployment of Forces

On Saturday, November 2, 2024, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced the deployment of an additional 10,000 personnel to the affected areas. This includes 5,000 military personnel and 5,000 police and civil guard officers. This massive deployment is described as the "largest deployment of State Security Forces and Armed Forces in peacetime" in Spanish history.

4,000 of the military personnel are set to arrive on the same day, with the remaining forces arriving on Sunday. This significant reinforcement aims to double the number of security agents in the area, ensuring safety and order amidst the chaos. As of now, there have been 82 arrests for theft, looting, and other criminal activities that have exploited the crisis.

Military and Emergency Operations

More than 2,500 military personnel are already working tirelessly in the affected zones. Their tasks include cleaning up debris, draining water and mud, and assisting in the removal of vehicles and the opening of roads. These efforts have improved road access and mobility, enabling the regular distribution of essential supplies such as bottled water, food, and other necessities.

In addition to these physical tasks, the military is also providing medical attention to civilians, transporting patients, and setting up electrical support with generators. They are also offering psychological support and maintaining vigilance in the streets to ensure public safety.

Declaration of Emergency Zone

The Spanish government is set to declare the affected areas as "zones gravely affected by a civil protection emergency" during the next Council of Ministers meeting on Tuesday. This declaration will cover regions in the Comunidad Valenciana, Castilla-La Mancha, Andalucía, Cataluña, and Aragón.

To facilitate the recovery process, an interministerial commission will be established to expedite the reconstruction and economic relaunch of the affected areas. The government has also authorized the autonomous executive to incur any necessary urgent expenses without resource limitations. Additionally, 100 temporary positions will be created in government sub-delegations to streamline the processing of aid.

International and Local Solidarity

The Federación Canaria de Islas (Fecai), representing the seven island councils of the Canary Islands, has expressed deep solidarity with the affected regions. Fecai has offered the resources of each island to support the recovery efforts and has called on all Canarian institutions and entities to join in providing aid and support. The island councils have suspended all official events to show respect and solidarity during this critical time.

Ongoing Challenges

Despite the extensive efforts, the situation remains dire. Minister of the Interior Fernando Grande-Marlaska has indicated that it is reasonable to expect more fatalities, given the current circumstances. As of now, there are 211 confirmed deaths, and while there have been reports of 1,900 missing persons, these numbers are largely due to communication failures and are not considered reliable.

The government has emphasized its commitment to providing all necessary resources and support, ensuring that the affected communities receive the aid they need as quickly and efficiently as possible.

In this time of crisis, the unity and solidarity among Spanish authorities, military, and the public are crucial in overcoming the devastating impact of the DANA storm.