In an interview with Vatican News, the archbishop of Valencia spoke about the deadly storm that has killed more than 150 people in Spain, and called on parishes to welcome those in need and help first responders.
Vatican News
The death toll in Spain from the worst tropical storm of the 21st century continues to rise, surpassing 100 in Valencia alone, while the total death toll across Spain exceeds 150, according to local police.
Meanwhile, rescue operations are underway to search for dozens of missing people.
It has been described as one of the worst natural disasters in Spain’s recent history, as it caused flash flooding in the eastern part of Spain, with the Valencia region being the worst affected. In just 8 hours, a year’s worth of rain fell. Although it is common to see rain in autumn, the sudden flooding surprised many people.
Pope Francis sent a video message on Thursday to Luis Javier Argüello García, archbishop of the Spanish Archdiocese of Valladolid, expressing his closeness to all the victims.
The disaster was caused by a rare storm in Spain known as “DANA”, which is related to an isolated low-level low pressure system. This event mainly affected the Valencia region.
In an interview with Vatican News, Archbishop Enrique Benavente of Valencia told Mireia Bonilla: “This is an extremely shocking experience for all of us, due to the magnitude of the tragedy and the speed of the events that happened.”
“On Tuesday night, when we went to rest, we knew it was a big DANA, but we were not aware of the magnitude of the tragedy.”
The authorities have advised not to go to the affected area.
Monsignor Benavente clarified that he has not yet been able to travel to the affected areas, because priority is being given to those who search for missing people and help those affected.
However, he said that as soon as possible they will “meet with the parishes and priests” in the area.
“I asked public officials for guidance and they strongly advised me not to go near the area,” he said. He said: “They flatly refuse, because many bridges have collapsed and access to the affected areas, in some cases, is very difficult and complicated. I should have followed the instructions of the authorities because that would have allowed coordinated action. And everyone receives “helps you in your work.”
The Archbishop also said in an interview with Vatican News that on Tuesday, October 30, telephone lines were working intermittently, making communication difficult.
“Although last night the phone lines were not working properly,” he said, “last night I was able to confirm that all the priests were safe, which gave me peace of mind.”
The Archbishop of Valencia offered the parish facilities as a refuge.
Barely 48 hours after the disaster, the magnitude of the tragedy is still being assessed and the exact death toll remains uncertain. However, it has been confirmed that military units will arrive in the affected cities to assist in the removal of debris.
The Spanish archbishop assured that he has requested accommodation for a military unit from Madrid, and said that he will cooperate, to the best of his ability, to support them.
He made an urgent appeal to all Christians to join forces in solidarity with those who suffer most, stressing that “we are organizing resources and possibilities to help those in need.” “We have offered the parish facilities that are in good condition to provide a place of solidarity and refuge.”
message of hope in the midst of pain
No matter what happens, Archbishop Benavente urges everyone to “keep faith and hope,” reminding them that suffering can become an opportunity for spiritual growth.
“This situation should be an opportunity for us to be brothers and sisters,” he stressed. “It is important to live with faith in God, especially in difficult times like these.”
