Spanish Research Ship Joins Search for Missing After Devastating Floods
A Spanish research vessel equipped with advanced technology has been redirected from its scientific mission to aid in the urgent search for people missing after catastrophic floods swept across Spain.
The crew aboard the Ramon Margalef, a ship specializing in marine ecosystem research, is preparing to map an offshore area of 36 square kilometers in the Mediterranean Sea. Using sophisticated sensors and a submersible robot, they aim to locate vehicles that were washed into the sea during the recent flooding.
“Without a detailed map, finding these cars would be like searching for a needle in a haystack,” said Pablo Carrera, the marine biologist leading the mission. “Our technology can provide crucial information to assist police and emergency services in recovering vehicles and, hopefully, bring closure to families of the missing.”
The devastating floods have left nearly 100 people officially missing, with authorities fearing the actual number could be higher. Over 200 fatalities have been confirmed, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in Spain’s recent history.
The Ramon Margalef will work alongside police and military units who have been tirelessly searching through mud-covered fields, canal banks, and along the coastline. Rescue teams have been using poles to probe deep layers of mud and employing sniffer dogs to detect any signs of those still unaccounted for.
The initial focus of the ship’s search is the area off the Albufera wetlands, where floodwaters surged into the sea after devastating villages and parts of Valencia city. The submersible robot, equipped with cameras, can dive up to 60 meters to identify submerged vehicles. However, challenging conditions such as low visibility and damaged cars buried in sediment may complicate the efforts.
“Our team is committed to working around the clock,” Carrera emphasized. “We hope to provide useful data within ten days.”
Beyond the immediate search and rescue mission, scientists aboard the vessel will also assess the environmental impact of the floodwaters on the marine ecosystem. These findings will contribute to broader studies on how extreme weather events are affecting Spain.
Experts have noted that a prolonged drought and record-high temperatures contributed to the severity of the floods. In some areas, unprecedented amounts of rain fell in a short period, overwhelming the land and infrastructure.
“We have never seen a storm of this intensity,” Carrera remarked. “While we cannot stop climate change overnight, we must prepare for its effects and adapt our response strategies.”
The efforts of the Ramon Margalef and other rescue teams offer a glimmer of hope amid the tragedy, showcasing how technology and teamwork can make a difference in times of crisis.
Reference(s):
Spanish research vessel to search for people missing in floods
cgtn.com
