Firemen are assisting cleanup efforts in Valencia, Spain, following the strike of the DANA storm on October 29.

Emergency teams are mobilising in Calles, focusing on two critical operations — clearing a blockage of fallen trees above the town and restoring the local sports centre, with the help of volunteers.

The State Meteorological Agency has issued a red alert for the eastern region of Valencia, with areas such as Turis and Utiel recording more rainfall in a day than normally falls in a whole year.

Officials have reported at least 217 fatalities attributed to the destructive weather system, which occurs when cold and warm air converge to create rain clouds. This event is thought to be becoming more common due to climate change.

This phenomenon is referred to locally as DANA, a Spanish acronym for high-altitude isolated depression. Unlike typical storms, it can develop independently of polar or subtropical jet streams.