The Government of the Canary Islands sent to Valencia a first device composed of 62 soldiers specialized in draining, emptying and cleaning tasks flooded areas, in response to the request made by the Valencian Generalitat and the National Center for Monitoring and Coordination of Emergencies (CENEM) of the Ministry of the Interior. It would also send a dozen forensic experts and an autopsy assistant to help with the recognition and identification of victims.
The equipment was mobilized by boat, while several soldiers traveled on a special Binter flight from Tenerife North Airport, town of La Laguna (Los Rodeos), where they bid farewell to applause.
The operation is made up of firefighters from consortia of Tenerife (18), Gran Canaria (20) and Lanzarote (3), two members of the Emergency and Rescue Group (GES), 11 members of the Forest Fire Intervention and Reinforcement Teams (EIRIF) and ten operators of the Forest Fire Reinforcement Brigades (BRIFOR) of the Cabildo de Tenerife.
Technical coordination in the field, in the area intervention assigned by Emergency Management, is carried out by the Deputy Director of Civil Protection and Emergencies of the Government of the Canary Islands, Néstor Padrón.
The expedition also benefits from the health coverage of a team from the Canary Islands Emergency Service (SUC) and the Canary Islands Health Service (SCS), which will travel a doctor, two nurses and a resource manager to provide support to responders and respond to any eventuality for which the technical management of emergencies in Valencia required it.
We are aware of the tragic situation that Valencians are experiencing, especially families who have lost a loved one or whose loved one is missing. Our encouragement and support to all and our collaboration in these difficult times https://t.co/ZQzgDORKsr
– Fernando Clavijo (@FClavijoBatlle) November 1, 2024
The device carries with it several drones and logistical support equipment and sanitary equipment to mainly carry out scooping, drainage and cleaning of flooded areas. In total, 24 motor pumps and 8 electric pumps with different flow rates and suction handles will be transported to be used for water evacuation in garages, basements and sewers. In addition, the contingent will include medical supplies and medicines for health care that could be provided.
In addition, a forward command post (PMA) of the General Directorate of Emergencies of the Government of the Canary Islands, a rapid intervention vehicle (VIR) of the SUC and several vehicles of the Gran Canaria Consortium will be transported by boat.
