As heavy rain continues to batter Catalonia, Spain, leading to more floods and fatalities, the UAE Mission in Madrid has issued a new warning for citizens. The Mission urged everyone to be cautious due to the severe weather conditions affecting the region.
Spain’s national weather service, AEMET, has lifted the emergency alert for Valencia, but torrential rain is still hitting Catalonia, prompting phone alerts to residents to remain extremely cautious.
The current death toll stands at 217, mostly in the eastern Valencia region, and authorities fear there may be more victims as many people remain unaccounted for.
Local officials in Valencia have extended travel restrictions for an additional two days, canceled classes, and advised residents to work from home to assist emergency services in their efforts.
The UAE authorities in Madrid have stressed the importance of following local safety guidelines and encouraged citizens to reach out for help by calling 0097180024 or 00971800444444. They also urged citizens to register for the Tawajudi service to stay informed.
Challenging Rescue Efforts
Thousands of soldiers, police officers, civil guards, and firefighters have been working for six days to provide aid and clear away mud and debris in search of victims. However, relief efforts have only reached some areas days after the disaster, with volunteers often being the first to deliver food, water, and sanitation supplies.
On Monday, divers focused their search for missing individuals in garages and a multi-storey car park in the town of Aldaia. Many victims were caught in their vehicles on flooded roads or trapped in underground spaces like parking lots and tunnels, making rescue efforts particularly challenging.
Storms from the Mediterranean are common during this season, but scientists warn that climate change caused by human activity is increasing the strength, duration, and frequency of extreme weather events.
