The DANA storm system tearing through Spain has unleashed one of the deadliest flooding disasters in the country’s modern history.

So far, more than 100 people have lost their lives, with the province of Valencia bearing the brunt of the devastation. Officials say at least 92 deaths have been confirmed there, making it the worst flooding event since 1957. 

Survivors describe the destruction with just two words: “Everything’s destroyed” and “We’ve never seen anything like this.” Entire neighborhoods remain cut off, while thousands had to be rescued from rooftops and stranded cars.

Over 1,200 people were stuck for more than 24 hours on major highways A-3 and A-7, and more than 70 roads remain blocked or washed out. 

One of the hardest-hit areas is Paiporta, where a swollen ravine burst after nearly 20 inches of rain fell in just eight hours—roughly a year’s worth of rainfall in less than half a day. At least 40 people died in this town alone, including residents of a local nursing home.

The mayor, Maribel Albalat, confirmed that among the victims were children, young adults, and the elderly. 

What is the situation in Valencia?

Across Valencia, the damage looks almost apocalyptic. Thousands of cars have been swept away or destroyed, entire towns have been gutted, and over 1,100 emergency workers have been deployed to manage rescues.

The city of Valencia itself is virtually cut off by land, with train services suspended and flights diverted. Power outages and water shortages have left thousands more in crisis. 

The storm’s impact has also stretched into parts of Castilla-La Mancha and Málaga, where heavy flooding caused significant destruction. Meteorologists explained that the sheer volume of rain in such a short time made catastrophic flooding inevitable. 

For many survivors, making it out alive feels like a miracle. Paula Sánchez, a 22-year-old student from Paiporta, said her father was swept away by the floodwaters on his way home. He survived by clinging to a tree until he could escape into a nearby courtyard.

“The whole town looks like it’s been bombed. I saw neighbors being carried away by the current. It’s heartbreaking,” she said. 

Authorities warn the death toll could rise as search and rescue operations continue. The DANA will likely be remembered as one of the most destructive natural disasters Spain has faced in decades.