As Spain's southeastern regions battle the repercussions of flooding caused by a storm system known as DANA, healthcare systems are being pushed to their limits. Floodwaters have closed healthcare facilities, spurred evacuations, and interrupted services, raising alarm about the public health consequences that will follow.
Flooding has severely affected medical facilities, making access to routine care challenging, especially in hard-hit areas such as Torrent, Valencia. Local general physician Vicente Gasull described the devastation to local infrastructure: "Of the three bridges we have to cross, only one is still standing." Many health centers have been inundated, and several towns have resorted to setting up temporary clinics in sports centers to continue essential care.
"The pharmacies, [which are generally] located on the ground floor, are all flooded. They have set up collection and delivery points for medicines, but the problem is that the communication routes are not available," Gasull explained to El Médico Interactivo, a Medscape Network website.
Gasull highlighted the logistical challenges faced by healthcare providers as roads damaged or blocked by floodwaters have forced them to rely on alternate routes or coordinate between towns to ensure patients receive the necessary care.
In response, Valencia's regional ministry of health has established a register of volunteer health professionals available to help in affected areas. Health professionals signing up via this register become part of an information system shared with primary care directors in the affected regions. Launched on November 1, this registry gathers essential details, such as the volunteer's field of expertise -- whether in medicine or nursing -- as well as their specialty and availability.
Coordinators from impacted health departments reach out to registered volunteers by phone to coordinate activities under the direction of local health officials. The ministry has emphasized prioritizing volunteers from the Valencian health system during the initial phase of the response.
To minimize the infection risks to volunteer healthcare providers and other personnel, the Spanish Ministry of Health has issued stringent safety protocols.
Individuals participating in flood cleanup efforts should wear long-sleeved clothing and trousers to cover the arms and legs completely. Additional protective measures include wearing a mask; eye protection; and gloves to guard the nose, mouth, eyes, and hands while cleaning. After removing gloves, thorough handwashing with soap and water is essential. If soap and water are unavailable, hydroalcoholic gels can be used. Contaminated clothing should be washed with hot water and detergent to ensure hygiene.
It is advised that individuals with underlying health conditions, particularly respiratory issues or weakened immune systems, as well as children and pregnant women, avoid participating in cleanup activities owing to heightened health risks.
If a dead person is found, they should not be touched. Instead, authorities should be contacted immediately. Similarly, animal remains should not be handled directly. Local guidance from municipal authorities should be followed to manage these situations safely.
The flooding has heightened the risk for infectious diseases, particularly due to contaminated water sources and the proliferation of bacteria and pathogens in affected areas.
"Any wound [that comes into contact] with mud and decomposed products can be dangerous, underscoring the infection hazards in flooded areas," noted Gasull.
The Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine has outlined three potential phases in disaster situations in anticipation of a wave of infections:
The AEP advocates for accessible mental health resources within affected communities and emphasizes the importance of communication between children and parents to help young ones cope with trauma. In areas prone to flooding, studies have also linked prenatal exposure to flood conditions with lower birthweights, highlighting the critical need for health support not only for children but also for pregnant women.
To address the long-term health impacts of flooding, Spain's health authorities have issued specific recommendations aimed at both residents and healthcare providers. Key recommendations include:
As the Spanish Medical Association and public health entities work to provide both immediate and long-term support, authorities also stress that people seeking to help can contribute by donating funds to credible local organizations involved in relief efforts. This coordinated response aims to support healthcare workers on the ground, enhance public awareness, and mitigate the widespread health risks posed by one of Spain's most severe flood crises in recent history.