Part of Spain was hit this Wednesday by torrential rains and significant flooding which left dozens of people dead. La Liga clubs and players are providing their support to the victims of this disaster caused by the DANA meteorological phenomenon.
Streets covered in mud, flooded buildings and piled up cars. Spain was hit this Wednesday by torrential rains and significant flooding which left dozens dead in a few hours. Several regions, mainly in the east and south of the country, are affected by this disaster linked to the meteorological phenomenon DANA (Depression at Altitude of Non-Tropical Origin), colloquially called “cold drop”, which shakes the Mediterranean region of the Iberian Peninsula.
The city of Valencia is particularly impacted and has recorded more than fifty deaths, according to a provisional report released this morning. Emergency services are working to try to help the victims. More than a thousand soldiers have been deployed. A special number has been set up for relatives of the missing. The situation is “unprecedented”, according to Carlos Mazon, the head of the regional government. Faced with the extent of the damage, all sporting events were canceled in the area. The Valencia club has published a message of support for the victims and “stands at the disposal of the authorities and affected municipalities to help, wherever possible.”
La Liga clubs all united
The Villarreal club, based around sixty kilometers north of Valencia, also expressed its dismay: “All our support to the victims of the terrible storm, as well as to all the members of the security and rescue forces who intervene in the whole region. Much strength to all the Valencians.”
More generally, all La Liga clubs posted messages on the networks to express their sadness and compassion, like Atlético de Madrid, Mallorca, Girona, Leganes, Getafe, Espanyol Barcelona, Real Sociedad, Athletic Bilbao, Valladolid, Osasuna or Las Palmas. Real Madrid also expressed “its deepest dismay and solidarity with the entire population affected by this disaster, conveying all its support and affection.”
A minute of silence at Barça and Real
Barça expressed “solidarity with the families of the victims and the regions affected by the torrential rains”. A minute's silence was observed by the two La Liga giants at the start of their training. The Spanish Federation has also announced that a minute of silence will be respected before all official matches, until further notice.
Vinicius Jr, Modric, Courtois… The stars of Liga in support
Faced with the terrible images of the floods, many players also shared their emotion on the networks. “A lot of strength to everyone,” wrote Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr. “A lot of courage to all the inhabitants of Valencia and other provinces affected by the storm,” posted his teammate Luka Modric. Thibaut Courtois, the goalkeeper of the Merengue club also reacted: “A thought to all those affected, full of strength in this very difficult moment.”
Ruben Baraja, Valencia coach, issued a message of solidarity: “I would like to send my sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who died in this terrible disaster. I also warmly embrace all those who are suffering from the floods and those who are “are trying to help them.” Dimitri Foulquier, the French full-back from Valence, gave his testimony to Le Parisien: “It's terrible what happened. I was at home quietly, without doing anything special. I saw clearly that “It was raining hard, but I only understood the extent of the damage on social media.”
