The Archbishop of Valencia expressed “grave concern” after torrential rains caused massive flooding in southeastern Spain, with at least 95 people feared dead, and many more missing. Source: NCR Online.
The flooding turned roads into rivers of floating cars and cut off highways and access points, with water reaching the first floor of buildings.
Archbishop Enrique Benavent said yesterday he “hopes that the victims and missing persons will be found safe and sound as soon as possible,” according to Spanish Catholic news outlet Alfa y Omega.
The archbishop celebrated Mass for all those affected yesterday morning in a local basilica.
Since October 28, authorities have responded to rescue calls in areas including Cuenca, Albacete and the Valencia region, where helicopters were dispatched to pull people from inundated homes and cars, according to The Washington Post.
Valencia’s regional president said yesterday it was still too early to provide a comprehensive death toll.
“These are very difficult hours for relatives and for the disappeared,” Carlos Mazón said. “We will confirm the number of victims over the coming hours but right now it’s impossible to offer a precise figure. We’re in shock,” The Guardian reported.
The archbishop wrote that the hope is that the catastrophic flood “will pass as soon as possible and that the residents of the most affected areas can return to normality.”
He said parishes of his archdiocese “will collaborate in everything necessary so that people can regain hop, from closeness and solidarity.”
FULL STORY
Amid torrential rain, flooding in southeastern Spain, archbishop urges parish support, prayer (AP via NCR Online)
Death tolls jumps to at least 95 in devastating flash floods in eastern Spain (9news.com.au)
