Bishop Timotei of Spain and Portugal has issued a call for solidarity with those impacted by severe flooding in the Iberian Peninsula, encouraging clergy and parishioners to offer both material and spiritual support.
Heavy rains caused by a cold front led to flooding in roads and cities across Spain on Tuesday, prompting authorities to advise residents to stay indoors in severely affected areas. By Wednesday, the provisional death toll had climbed to 72, with 70 fatalities in the Valencia region alone, as reported by emergency services through AGERPRES.
“We express our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims, standing in prayer with them and asking our Lord Jesus Christ to bring peace to those who have passed away and comfort to their grieving families,” said Bishop Timotei, the Romanian Orthodox Bishop of Spain and Portugal.
The bishop announced that the Diocese of Spain and Portugal would participate in relief efforts in collaboration with central authorities, urging both clergy and believers to actively contribute to assisting the victims and to keep them in their prayers.
“We appeal for Christian solidarity with the displaced and vulnerable victims of this natural disaster. The Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Spain and Portugal is working together with central, regional, and provincial authorities to support our brothers and sisters facing immense suffering.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) provided updates on the status of Romanian citizens in the Valencian Community following the devastating floods in Spain. The MAE, through the Romanian Consulate in Castellón de la Plana, is monitoring the situation of 22 missing Romanian citizens and maintaining constant communication with Spanish authorities for ongoing investigations.
Furthermore, the Romanian Embassy in Madrid is coordinating with Spanish central authorities through its internal affairs attachés to facilitate necessary actions.
To assist those affected in the most impacted regions, the Diocese of Spain and Portugal has set up a bank account for donations: ES20 0081 7330 0500 0250 9958.
Photo: Diocese of Spain and Portugal
Source: basilica.ro