BTN News: The recent weather phenomenon known as a DANA (Isolated Depression at High Levels) has made a dramatic entrance in Spain, particularly in the Comunidad Valenciana. On Tuesday afternoon, the effects of this powerful weather event were felt intensely in Ontinyent, Valencia, where around 300 people had to be urgently evacuated from a supermarket after a portion of the building’s roof collapsed due to the accumulation of heavy rainfall during a severe thunderstorm. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries, but the incident did result in significant material damage, highlighting the force of the storm and the vulnerability of structures to such extreme weather conditions.
Emergency services, including the Consorcio Provincial de Bomberos de Valencia, the PolicÃa Nacional, and the PolicÃa Local de Ontinyent, were quick to respond to the situation. The first call for help was made around 19:46, when the partial collapse of the supermarket roof on Avenida del Textil was reported. The roof’s failure led to flooding in a section of the supermarket, creating a dangerous environment for both shoppers and staff. Firefighters from Ontinyent, along with a sargento from Alzira, swiftly mobilized to the scene to assess the damage and ensure the safety of everyone involved.
The Asociación Valenciana de MeteorologÃa (Avamet) has attributed this structural failure to the intense weather conditions brought on by the DANA. The storm that hit Ontinyent unleashed heavy rain, hail, and strong winds, which overwhelmed the drainage systems and put immense pressure on buildings. These extreme conditions are characteristic of DANA events, which often lead to sudden and severe weather changes that can cause widespread disruption and damage.
In addition to the supermarket incident, the torrential rains also caused other problems across Ontinyent. Streets were littered with debris, including falling rubble and tree branches, making travel hazardous and adding to the overall chaos caused by the storm. The local emergency services were kept busy throughout the evening, responding to multiple incidents related to the adverse weather.
The situation in Ontinyent is a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of being prepared for sudden weather changes, especially in regions prone to such events. The quick response of emergency services helped prevent a potentially disastrous situation from escalating, ensuring that despite the damage to the supermarket, no lives were lost.
As the DANA continues to influence weather patterns in Spain, authorities and residents alike are being urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property. The Comunidad Valenciana, like many other parts of the country, is no stranger to extreme weather, but the intensity and unpredictability of these events serve as a crucial reminder of the need for robust infrastructure and effective emergency planning.
In conclusion, the collapse of the supermarket roof in Ontinyent is a clear example of how severe weather conditions, such as those brought on by a DANA, can have significant impacts on communities. While no one was hurt in this particular incident, the event underscores the potential dangers posed by such storms and the importance of preparedness and rapid response in minimizing their effects.
