Spanish Bishops Call For Prayers Following Devastating Floods And Rain

A cold front followed by torrential rain and catastrophic flooding in southern and eastern Spain has claimed at least 95 lives, including infants. Bishop Luis Arguello, as president of the Spanish Bishops Conference, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased on October 30, while also offering prayers. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called for three days of mourning.

Some people were reportedly trapped and drowned in their cars on October 29 as torrents washed from the hills and flooded streets in towns and villages. Streets were coated with brown mud and cars were piled up like toys. This was the most deadly storm in three decades.

In a statement, the bishop said, “I invoke the Virgin of the Forsaken to comfort and sustain everyone." In addition, the Archdiocese of Madrid has announced that it is united in prayer with the Archdiocese of Valencia "and with all those affected by the rain storm, especially those who have lost their lives. We pray for the victims, their loved ones and those who are suffering from these tragic floods.

The Administrator of the diocese of Albacete, Julián Ros, asked the faithful to join "in prayer for the people not located in Letur due to the flood and accompanying the concern of the Letureños." The diocese of Ferrol released a statement expressing "affection and closeness to all the people affected by the storm in Valencia. We are really overwhelmed by the news that is reaching us." In addition, they have expressed their prayers for all those affected.

Bishop José Ignacio Munilla of Orihuela-Alicante shared a prayer for all Spaniards to pray. Archbishop José María Gil Tamayo of Granada expressed his "solidarity and prayer for the victims and those affected by the terrible DANA suffered and, especially, our condolences and condolences for the fatal victims."

Cardinal Archbishop ​​Juan José Omella of Barcelona stated that he is "dismayed by the tragic images that reach us from Valencia and Albacete." 

“I pray for the victims, their families and all those affected by these floods. Let's all work together to restore normality as soon as possible. Experiences like this remind us of the fragility of our human condition and open us to the hope of eternal life in heaven," added the cardinal.

Bishop Ginés García Beltrán of Getafe expressed on social media his "pain and condolences over what happened in Valencia, Albacete and Málaga, among other places, as a consequence of the storm. "I think of the fatalities, their families and those who have lost everything."

Archbishop Jesús Sanz Montes of Oviedo stated that he is "moved by the images of the effects of the storm that is devastating our Levantine regions." Sanz Montes said he is praying “for the deceased and thanking everyone who is helping. I ask that hope not be lost."

José Ángel Saiz Meneses of Seville prayed "for all those affected by the terrible storm that occurred in Valencia and throughout Spain." Praying for the dozens who died, he said: “Give them, Lord, eternal rest, and let perpetual light shine upon them. Rest in peace. Amen".

Archbishop Enrique Benavent of Valencia has been in touch with priests in his diocese, especially in La Ribera, Utiel, and Requena. The diocese is preparing to aid those affected by the storm. He expressed condolences and pain over the loss of life while expressing hope that the missing will be found alive. 

The storms that frequently strike Spain are locally known as ‘gota fria’ (cold drop) or DANA, a Spanish acronym for high-altitude isolated depression, which is unlike common storms because it forms independently of polar or sub-tropical jet streams. When a cold front comes over the warm Mediterranean, hotter air rises quickly and forms water-filled clouds that remain over the area for hours. Tornados and hail storms can also result. 

This was one of the three most intense such storms in the last century in the Valencia region, which lies on the Mediterranean shore of Spain. DANA storms can become stationary or go into reverse, from east to west.