King Philip VI honors Valencia flood victims in Christmas speech

King Philip VI of Spain honored the victims of the Valencia floods on December 25 in his annual Christmas speech.

"On this Christmas Eve, I would like to say first of all - and I am sure you will understand me - about the terrible hurricane Dana, which hit numerous areas in the east and south of Spain, especially Valencia, with extraordinary force almost two months ago. The people who lost their lives and those who are missing deserve all respect. We must never forget the pain and grief they left behind for their families," he said.

Philip VI urged the nation not to forget the tragedy as thousands of people witnessed their city, neighborhood, homes and schools reduced to rubble.

"This is a reality that is difficult to accept but from which we must all learn the necessary lessons to strengthen us as a society and help us develop," he concluded.

Earlier on Nov. 8, Spanish Transportation Minister Oscar Puente said the death toll from the floods in Spain had risen to 223. According to him, 78 people are considered missing, 48 dead have not yet been identified.

On October 29, heavy rains hit Spain, causing flooding. A "red" danger level was set in Valencia and "orange" in Andalusia. The authorities of Catalonia warned residents about the risk of hail and tornadoes in the vicinity of the province of Barcelona.

On November 5, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced that the Spanish authorities will allocate € 10.6 billion as part of the first aid package for flood victims. He also noted that the country's recovery plan consists of three points. The first is a response to issues that require immediate solution, the second - the reconstruction of buildings. The third is aimed at preparing the territory of Spain for extreme weather conditions in the future.