The Ministry of Defense deployed 1,034 soldiers from Military Emergency Unit (UME) in the province of Valencia to collaborate with emergency services and face the devastating effects of DANA, which has already caused at least 51 deaths, according to an official statement from Cecopi. Air assets are also used to try to locate missing people.
Thus, more than a thousand UME soldiers were mobilized for the operation in the Valencian Community, including 250 intervene directlywhile the others (784) are in the area near the tragedy waiting to intervene, according to the department led by Margarita Robles.
As for air assets, currently an NH90 helicopter from the 48th Wing of the Aviationbased in Cuatro Vientos (Madrid), and a helicopter from the 78th Wing and another from the 49th Wing, respectively from the bases of Armilla and Palma, are available in advance.
Furthermore, on the part of the Armytwo helicopters from the Emergency Helicopter Battalion (BHELEME) are already activated under operational command of the UME, as well as a Cougar and another EC135.
Robles promised this Wednesday that his portfolio would contribute “with what is needed and the time needed» to counteract the effects of DANA which particularly hits the Valencian Community and contribute to rescue efforts.
Furthermore, the head of the Defense portfolio reported that the EMU was also activated in a city in Basin and the army helps emergency situations in Letur (Albacete), town seriously affected by the storm. Additionally, two Special Operations Command (MOE) operational teams will be activated in support of the one deployed in Letur.
DANA caused serious damage in the southeast of the peninsula. The considered as worst cold snap of the century in Valencia has caused at least 51 deaths in different localities of the province, although the emergency services emphasize that they have started the work of investigation and identification of the victims, so the number could increase in the coming hours, according to the official government version. .Valencian.
The Congress of Deputies, by decision of the Chamber of Spokespersons, decided to suspend the control session this Wednesday as a sign of solidarity with those affected and the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, will preside this Wednesday, at 12 p.m. the crisis committee to monitor the effects of DANA. Half an hour before, at 11:30 a.m., he will make an institutional statement from the Palacio de La Moncloa.
