The death toll from the floods in Spain is becoming increasingly frightening. The latest official update speaks of at least 158 confirmed deaths , but in the meantime the search for missing persons continues , which according to the government are still "dozens and dozens".

The catastrophe has now reached proportions similar to those of the most painful episodes in the recent history of this country , such as the terrorist attack in Atocha in 2004 (193 deaths). And in the sea of mud and desolation in which thousands of inhabitants of the flooded towns in Valencia and some other provinces find themselves, the great pain for those who are no longer here is compounded by the despair when trying to think about how to start again . "It will take years," many observe.

The end of the emergency, meanwhile, remains distant. "I tell the citizens of the area that the Dana will continue, it is not over, so we must be careful," warned Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez during a visit to L'Eliana (Valencia), where the nerve center for managing the relief effort has been established. "I ask everyone to follow the instructions of the authorities. We are on the eve of a long weekend, but I invite you to stay home," he added while weather alerts for severe weather remained active in several parts of Spain, particularly in the southwest and northeast.

Indeed, scenes of flooded houses, blocked roads and closed schools have occurred in several areas, especially in the provinces of Castellón and Cádiz. But the epicentre of the drama currently remains the hinterland of Valencia, a city in shock and partially isolated, since trains will be out of action for at least 15 days and there is also considerable damage to the road network (while the airport remains operational).

It is in various areas of its outskirts where the bulk of the dead are concentrated : at least 45 (including six guests of a retirement home) in Paiporta, another 13 between La Torre and Castellar, while the figure, which is feared to be high, of the deceased in Sedaví is not yet certain. "They haven't come here yet to collect the bodies," said an inhabitant of the latter town on Thursday morning in Tve. Many of the bodies are being transported to the Palace of Justice in Valencia, where a temporary mortuary has been set up.