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The catastrophic flash floods that have killed at least 217 people in Valencia in Spain were caused by a phenomenon known locally as DANA, a Spanish acronym for high-altitude isolated depression, and unlike common storms or squalls it can form independently of polar or subtropical jet streams. Several Bobcat dealers have not hesitated to collaborate in a totally supportive manner with those affected by the DANA in Valencia. They have sent Bobcat machinery, as well as personnel to the most affected areas.
Some of them selflessly sent their own machinery, which has been very essential for the cleaning and debris removal tasks, while others have also personally involved themselves and have not hesitated to go to Valencia to help solve the damage caused by the floods.
"At Doosan Bobcat, we are deeply committed to supporting our neighbours and communities. Our recent efforts in Valencia, Turkey and Czechia exemplify this commitment. In Valencia, our dealers swiftly deployed equipment and personnel to aid in debris removal and recovery efforts. In Turkey and Czechia, we provided funds and essential equipment and support to help those impacted by earthquakes and floods. These actions demonstrate our dedication to helping people rebuild their lives and recover from adversity," said Lukas Jungbauer, Communication Lead at Doosan Bobcat EMEA.
Here’s Some of the Testimony of the Bobcat Dealers:
Ferran Recio, Business Manager for ITT Dynamics, based in Valencia, says: “To contribute to the recovery, ITT Dynamics has sent machinery and personnel to the affected areas in Valencia, in order to help the people of Valencia in the essential task of removing mud and debris, to open up their streets and help the region return to normality as soon as possible. Our ITT Dynamics branch in Ribarroja de Turia has suffered material damage, but fortunately there are no personnel injuries.
“In addition, ITT has set up two collection points in Spain to bring together materials that will be sent to Valencia. The transportation of materials will be carried out in collaboration with transport clients, who will accompany this important charitable work.”
Rubén Lorente, General Manager of Talleres Turquino de Galicia, adds: “After an initial urgent approach by a collaborator with a Bobcat T590 loader provided by Talleres Turquino, we saw that the track loaders were very good for accessing and exiting waste, or even small vehicles, via garage ramps. So when Grupo Barea asked us for rental equipment for the army, we did not hesitate to load Bobcat T86, T76 and T590 tracked loaders from our fleet onto a truck with seven units, among which we also sent two Bobcat L23 and L28 small articulated loaders, which have been very agile for clearing the narrow alleys full of debris from the tragedy.”
Marcos Marín, Manager of Maquinaria Marcos Marín in Murcia, tells us: “My experience as a volunteer was above all very enriching. Specifically, I went to help in ALDAYA, a town that was badly affected. And I was collaborating with clients with whom I have a friendship, mainly in cleaning garages. In the first few days, the priority was to empty the houses, basements and garages of belongings, bailing out water and removing mud.
“The scene was desolate, but it was comforting to see and feel how people worked as a team, side by side, with tenacity and in good spirits. It is at these moments that you appreciate what our Valencian neighbours are made of. An example of struggle and overcoming.”
Given the magnitude of the catastrophe, all the machinery in full operation has been welcomed. There are many places that are still completely saturated, with water, mud, plant remains, waste and bulky waste, so the Bobcat loaders continue to work there without ceasing, carrying out crucial tasks for the sanitation of garages, streets, commerce and industrial areas, even in locations that are difficult to access such as narrow passages and tunnels.
The Bobcat equipment will continue to carry out essential work to try to restore normality in the most affected areas, reinforcing their support in various areas and joining the effort to mitigate the effects of this terrible DANA.