In the aftermath of the devastating DANA floods, the Valencian Community is embarking on a massive operation to remove over 120,000 flood-damaged vehicles. The Integrated Operational Coordination Centre (CECOPI) has announced that the process will begin tomorrow in the hard-hit towns of Alfafar, Paiporta, and Massanassa.
A Herculean Task
The scale of the operation is unprecedented in Spain. The vehicles will be transported to a designated reception point in the Picassent quarry, with additional sites being prepared in the coming days. To facilitate the process, local authorities will be informed of the removal procedures, allowing them to communicate with residents and vehicle owners.
Cleaning Up Homes and Infrastructure
In parallel with the vehicle removal, the CECOPI is continuing efforts to clean up homes and businesses affected by the floods. Teams are working to extract mud and debris from flooded garages and basements, prioritizing areas that pose significant public health risks.
Cleaning Sewerage Networks and Waste Removal
The cleanup operation also includes the crucial task of clearing sewerage networks. Over 125 sludge extraction trucks are currently deployed in the affected areas, primarily in Paiporta and Catarroja. The next phase will focus on repairing damaged pipelines in industrial estates.
A Monumental Cleanup Effort
To date, authorities have removed over 200,000 tonnes of waste from the flood-affected areas, surpassing the annual collection of waste and bulky items for the entire Valencian Community in 2023. This massive cleanup effort underscores the extent of the damage caused by the DANA floods and the significant challenges faced by the region.
