It's been a horrific few days for the country of Spain and the city of Valencia. A flood has engulfed the city and has killed numerous people. A year's worth of rain fell on one day and has left many others struggling. It's led to sporting events being affected. What's even more sad is that it's not the first time a flood has caused chaos in the city of Valencia.
According to a Spain meterorological agency, it was an 8-hour marathon that caused this flood. The rain flowing through rivers and tributaries. With this, came the destruction of bridges and as many as 200 people have lot their lives as a result. Authorities say that there could be more.
The rain wasn't quite a gigantic shock that happened. In the early hours (07:30) of 29 October, it was reported that there was an expectation of high amounts of rain fall that's expected. People were urged to stay off the roads for their saftety and protection.
By 10:30, firefighters from towns like Llombai were in action, trying to save people. Residents were advised to be vigilant. This urgency came in even when there was little rainfall and ravines and gullies were quickly filling with water streaming down from the mountains toward the sea.
At around about 12:00, Valencia's regional president, Carlos Mazon, waved off concerns and insisted that the rain was slowly coming to an end. In making this announcement (which was posted on X), he downplayed the urgency that the meterological services had made. The post has since been deleted.
By 17:00, the emergency services were being swamped with phone calls; pleading for help. It was a case of too little too late when an emergency message got sent out urging residents to stay indoors at 20:00.
As alluded to earlier, this wasn't a new occurence . There was another flood that occured in Valencia, in 1957. This one took place on 14 October. The events were quite different to that of the one that just occured. In 1957, there was a three day cold drop (term used in Spain and France that has commonly come to refer to any high impact rainfall events occurring in the autumn along the Spanish Mediterranean coast or across France).
The rainfall started to ease on 12 October. Unfortunately, the rain returned the following morning at around 07:00. The towns of Chelva, Casinos and Ademuz were the ones that were particularly affected. While some of the roads in the historic centre of Calle del Micalet, Plaza de la Reina and Plaza del Michalet, largely escaped damage, the newer bridges and areas to the north of the river, such as Zaidia and Campanar, suffered severe damage. Parts of the ciy's streets were covered by 5m of water.
The city was left without water, gas and electricity. Additionally, about 75% of commercial and industrial industry were affected.
In response, the local goverments of Barcelona; Madrid and Murcia and other areas offered their assistance. However, rescue operations were hindered by the obstruction on the main roads. In reaction to the disaster, the Cortes Españolas unanimously approved the Plan Sur on 21 December 1961. This re-routed the Turia to the south of Valencia, three kilometres from it's original course. The new course is 12km long and 175m wide. Despite objections, work began in 1964 and finished in 1973.
Football has been the major sport affected by the flood. The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has postponed all matches in the Valencia region due to the impacts of the floods. The RFEF had received requests from La Liga, Liga F and the clubs themselves to, "postpone all professional matches in the area after the flash floods."
Among the postponed matches, Villarreal's La Liga meeting with Rayo Vallecano has also been called off, along with three games in the Segunda division: Castellon vs. RC Ferrol; CD Eldense against SD Huesca and Malaga's visit to Levante. In Liga F, the women’s top flight, Valencia's match against Deportivo La Coruna and Real Madrid vs. Levante are among the postponed fixtures.
It was reported on Thursday, MotoGP riders said it, "would be unethical to stage the season's final race in Valencia." Six-time champion, Marc Marquez, said funds, "needed to go to people devastated by floods instead of being spent on repairs for the event." MotoGP said the circuit itself was "in good condition," adding that they, "were committed to holding the race on the scheduled date."
The season-ending race will "likely decide the outcome of the championship." Championship leader, Jorge Martin, urged Dorna Sports to take a call on the race as soon as possible, adding: "Valencia will be difficult." Martin said, "Even if the track is solved and everything is good, it's a difficult situation in terms of respecting the people there. I think the best option will be to race elsewhere."
It was noted that La Liga and its clubs will, "help raise funds" for the Red Cross to support those affected by the flash floods by, "publicising a campaign during match broadcasts this weekend and through their social media accounts." Real Madrid announced they would also collaborate with the Red Cross and donate $1.09M.
When I first heard of this happening, I was shocked. I never imagined anything like this to happen. I believed it was something that happened in movies, tv shows and books. However, once I processed the event actually happened, there was something else that came to mind: Noah's Ark. Based on what's happened an Ark that Noah was ordered to make would definitely have helped. No lives would be lost if this kind of vessel did exist.
"God said to Noah, “I am going to destroy all flesh because the world is full of violence. Build an ark of gopherwood, with rooms inside, three decks, and a door. Cover it inside and out with pitch.” And Noah did exactly as God commanded him"
- Genesis 6:13–22