Bad smells and fears of disease spread after Spain floods

Arab Weather - After floods swept through large areas of Valencia last week, foul odors began to spread in the surrounding neighborhoods, raising concerns among residents and volunteers about the potential health effects of these odors. Miguel Rodilla, a biologist at the Polytechnic University of Valencia, described these odors as similar to "the smell of rotten eggs and sulfur," noting that they originated from the decomposition of organic matter in the absence of oxygen. He explained that inhaling these odors is "not ideal for health," adding that emissions can become toxic if they are concentrated in the air at high levels.

Complaints of headaches and dizziness among volunteers and victims

Many volunteers and residents of affected areas reported experiencing migraines and dizziness after inhaling the foul odors, prompting them to resort to wearing masks as was the case during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some reported that inhaling these odors caused them to experience distorted perceptions and persistent headaches, leading to increased health concerns.

Health Minister reassures public despite concerns

In response to the growing concerns, Health Minister Monica García confirmed on her X account that no epidemic linked to the floods had been reported so far. She announced the establishment of a health monitoring protocol aimed at preventing any infections or diseases that could be transmitted through the mud and stagnant water. However, the environmental organization Greenpeace expressed doubts about the situation and announced that it would conduct a special analysis of the mud to ensure that there were no risks.

Warnings of potential diseases and the spread of leptospirosis

After some cases of gastroenteritis were recorded, the Minister of Health indicated on public radio that there was scientific evidence indicating the potential risk of pathogens, especially in stagnant water, which could lead to digestive disorders or pneumonia. Health authorities in the region announced that two volunteers were “suspected” of leptospirosis, a bacterial disease transmitted through contaminated water. Rosa Torres, spokeswoman for the emergency committee formed after the disaster, recommended that volunteers wear masks, gloves, shoes, long-sleeved shirts, pants and goggles, especially when dealing with stagnant water or mud.

Bad smells and mosquitoes in the area

More than ten days after floods killed at least 220 people in southeastern Spain, several municipalities in the Valencia region have been unable to remove the wet brown mud that has spread to roads and walls of homes, contributing to the persistent stench. In the town of Seda, Toni Marco, an employee of a cleaning company, expressed his annoyance at the smells he described as “rotten meat,” as food, including meat, had been left in refrigerators without electricity for more than ten days. Angel Aldehuela, a firefighter in Catarroga, near Valencia, said the smells varied from street to street depending on the type of decomposing material, and he expected the situation to continue for several weeks until the clean-up was completed.

In the coming days, the health authorities in the province of Valencia will pay special attention to controlling the spread of mosquitoes in stagnant water, which can contribute to the transmission of diseases. The regional health ministry has issued recommendations to the 79 affected municipalities to take the necessary measures to deal with this worsening situation.

See also:

The World in a Week: Massive Floods in Spain and a Desert in Saudi Arabia Covered in White

USA | Thousands Evacuated in Southern California Due to Massive Fire