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European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations
  • 20 November 2024

Flash floods in Spain: joining forces for rapid recovery

In late October 2024, a high-altitude isolated depression (DANA in Spanish) struck eastern Spain, bringing severe weather, torrential rainfall, and flash floods. The disaster caused widespread damage and led to casualties: 224 people lost their lives, 13 remain missing.

In the immediate aftermath, satellite imagery maps for flood delineation and damage assessment developed by the EU’s Copernicus Emergency Management Service supported initial relief efforts on the ground. To date, more than 60 such maps have been produced.

Spain also requested emergency assistance through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. In response, several EU countries quickly stepped forward, offering equipment and expertise.

Shortly after, teams from France and Portugal, comprising over 150 responders and 60 specialised vehicles, arrived in Spain to work alongside local emergency services. Together, they cleared debris, pumped water and mud, transported rubble, and supported other recovery operations.

Additionally, 2 liaison officers from the EU’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre in Brussels went to Valencia, ensuring real-time monitoring and a smooth flow of channelled assistance.

View on a village from inside a helicopter.
© European Union, 2024 (photographer: Joao Silva)

The flash floods in Spain severely impacted densely populated areas, taking a heavy toll on human life, the environment, and infrastructure.

Aerial assessments of the damage and needs have been crucial for effective response and recovery efforts.

3 resceu workers looking at a map on a screen on the wall.
© Communication UIISC 7 - Sécurité Civile France, 2024.

At Spain’s request, the EU helped mobilise emergency assistance from France and Portugal.

To ensure a smooth coordination of this incoming aid, 2 EU liaison officers joined the recovery operations on the ground.

Group photo of firemen.
© Communication UIISC 7 - Sécurité Civile France, 2024.

The French team consisted of 50 responders and 29 specialised vehicles, including excavators, lift trucks, loader tractors, and other.

View of a flooded tunnel, trucks on the road and a firefighter in front.
© Autoridade Nacional de Emergência e Proteção Civil, 2024.

The Portuguese team deployed 102 personnel and 30 vehicles, such as water pumping trucks used to clear sewage and drainage systems, and to remove water from blocked city tunnels.

3 resceu workers discussing.
© Communication UIISC 7 - Sécurité Civile France, 2024.

In an emergency response, coordination is crucial.

Team leaders and appointed liaison officers from all teams involved in the recovery operations remained in close contact to ensure adequate resources for identified needs.

Debris in the mud in front of a bridge.
© Communication UIISC 7 - Sécurité Civile France, 2024.

As the floods receded, they left behind broken tree branches, trunks, mud, and significant industrial waste.

The responders deployed through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism worked to clear the heaviest debris and clean up the area.

A tractor removing cars that were swept along.
© Communication UIISC 7 - Sécurité Civile France, 2024.

The force of water also swept multiple cars away. Many of them piled up, blocking roads and creating safety risks for passersby.

The French and Portuguese teams used heavy machinery to clear the debris

Group of rescue workers cleaning an entrance.
© European Union, 2024 (photographer: Joao Silva)

Members of local emergency services continued their work alongside EU teams, focusing on removing water, mud, rubble, and other waste. Joining forces helped accelerate the recovery efforts.

Resceu workers wading through the water.
© Communication UIISC 7 - Sécurité Civile France, 2024.

Despite the challenging conditions on the ground and further rainfall in the first few days of the mission, all the teams maintained high morale.

Several groups of resceu workers from different countries posing for a photo.
© Autoridade Nacional de Emergência e Proteção Civil, 2024.

4 flags, 1 mission: delivering flood relief to the hardest-hit communities.

As climate disasters become more frequent, the EU continues to invest in strengthening Europe’s prevention, preparedness, and emergency response efforts.

  • Photo of Daria Ortiz Suardy

    Story by Daria Ortiz Suardy, EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations.

    Publication date: 20/11/2024