A catastrophic flood, triggered by a local weather phenomenon called Dana with torrential rains, has claimed over 200 lives in Spain’s Valencia region. Between October 23 and 29, rainfall reached up to 300 liters per square meter in some areas. In addition to Valencia, other Mediterranean regions were also hit, with no respite in sight as of November 4, and heavy rains continuing, most recently in parts of Catalonia.
The wine industry has been heavily impacted, with the Utiel-Requena vineyards and northern parts of DO Valencia among the hardest-hit areas. Floodwaters have submerged vineyards, and the long-term effects—including potential damage from standing water and subsequent infections—remain uncertain.
Many local farmers have mobilized to assist in cleanup efforts. Jacinto Murciano, a representative of the Valencia Farmers' Association (AVA-Asaja) in Utiel, praised the swift response of farmers, telling La Semana Vitivinícola (Sevi), “We from Utiel, along with people from surrounding villages, rushed to support our communities.” According to Murciano, farmers saved lives and cleared mud from affected areas.
Meanwhile, Spain’s Agroseguro, the agricultural insurance association, has set up hotlines for those affected and reassured policyholders via Sevi that flood damages are covered by insurance. MS
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