Pope sends message to those affected by floods in Spain

Our Lady of the Abandoned, Valencia. Screenshot

Source: Vatican News, Caritas Spain

Extreme flash floods devastated the Spanish region of Valencia on Tuesday night. At least 150 people have been killed, and thousands have been displaced in what has been described as one of the worst natural disasters in Spain's recent history. A year's worth of rain fell in only eight hours.

Pope Francis has expressed his solidarity with the victims and those affected through a video message to Archbishop Luis Javier Argüello García of the Archdiocese of Valladolid, Spain.

"I am close to them," the Pope said, "in this moment of catastrophe and I am praying for them." He also sent them a blessing virtually.

More than 1,000 military personnel have been deployed to aid in rescue efforts. Trains have been suspended; schools and museums have been closed; thousands are without power and running water in the neighbourhoods of Valencia.

Caritas Spain is working with local institutions and dioceses to support those who have been displaced as many are being housed in public buildings.

During his homily at Mass yesterday, in the Basilica of the Our Lady of the Abandoned, the archbishop of Valencia, Enrique Benavent, asked the congregation to keep those most affected close to their hearts. He asked everyone to pray before the Blessed Virgin Mary, "first of all, for those who have lost their lives in this great tragedy.".

Archbishop Benavent said he hoped people could find "in the Church, in Christians, a helping hand from brothers and a helping hand from friends. In this way we will also show that we are children of the Virgin of the Abandoned."

The Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez Perez Castejon, has officially declared three days of mourning beginning today.