VALENCIA, SPAIN — The Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that one of the two Bulgarian citizens previously reported missing in the wake of devastating floods in the Valencia region has been located.
The Consulate General in Valencia confirmed that the missing individual has reconnected with family members and is safe and in good health.
The region of Valencia has been grappling with severe floods following unprecedented rainfall, which has left a trail of destruction, loss of life, and thousands unaccounted for.
As of the latest reports, over 1,900 people remain missing, while Spanish authorities have confirmed the identification of approximately 40 victims.
The process of identification has been hindered by the sheer scale of the disaster, necessitating formal missing person reports and DNA samples from relatives to verify the identities of those recovered.
The Ministry noted that it is maintaining close contact with Spanish authorities to monitor the status of the other Bulgarian citizen who remains unaccounted for.
The Bulgarian Consulate General in Valencia has been actively assisting Bulgarian nationals impacted by the floods, coordinating efforts with local emergency services and law enforcement as the search and recovery efforts continue.
In an official statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its commitment to supporting Bulgarian citizens affected by the floods.
The consulate’s spokesperson highlighted the challenges posed by the scale of the disaster, adding that the consulate is prioritizing communication with affected families and providing essential information about the search operations.
The Consulate General has urged any Bulgarian citizens in Valencia who need assistance to reach out to the consulate at their designated contact numbers.
In cases where urgent support is needed, Bulgarian nationals may also reach the Embassy of Bulgaria in Madrid, which is operating additional helplines to assist during the crisis.
For around-the-clock support, Bulgarian citizens can access the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Situation Center in Sofia via phone or email.
This outreach effort comes as the Spanish government deploys additional resources to aid the identification of missing persons.
Authorities have called on relatives of those unaccounted for to come forward and submit formal reports and DNA samples, which are being used to expedite the identification process.
With ongoing efforts to manage the fallout from the disaster, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has assured that it will continue to monitor the situation closely.
The Ministry expressed gratitude for the cooperation of Spanish authorities, who have been providing vital information and assistance amid the challenging recovery process.
As the region remains on high alert, the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also advised citizens in affected areas to stay vigilant, prioritize their safety, and follow instructions from local authorities. The consulate will continue to update families and Bulgarian nationals as new information becomes available.
For Bulgarian citizens in need of assistance, the Consulate General of Bulgaria in Valencia can be reached at +34 963 690 921, +34 963 691 788, or during non-working hours at +34 630 168 018.
The Embassy of Bulgaria in Madrid can be reached for emergencies at +34 678 013 846. Additionally, the Situation Center in Sofia is available at +359 2 948 24 04, +359 2 971 38 56, or via email at crisis@mfa.bg.