Train circulation on the high-speed AVE line connecting Valencia with Madrid and Barcelona has been suspended due to the effects of the dana storm that has caused various damages to the railway network. The Minister of Transport, Óscar Puente, has acknowledged that the storm has caused significant damage in many parts of the railway system. Trains with origins or destinations at the Valencia Joaquín Sorolla station will remain halted until the situation on the network returns to normal. The Madrid-Valencia route serves both Renfe’s AVE and Avlo services, as well as Irya and Ouigo.
Prior to the suspension of train services, the circulation between Siete Aguas and Chiva in Valencia was prohibited due to flooding in the Torrent tunnel. This resulted in several high-speed trains being affected, with one train traveling from Gijón to Castellón being stopped in Siete Aguas at 17:21 and a Madrid-Valencia train being halted at the Albacete junction at 17:54. In addition, storms in the Nules area of Castellón led to the suspension of train services between Barcelona and Valencia. A truck overturned on the tracks between Nules and Les Palmes, along the Sagunto-Castellón route, due to the severe weather conditions, prompting emergency response efforts.
The disruption in train services has caused inconvenience for passengers traveling along the AVE line, impacting both domestic and international travel options. The incident highlights the vulnerabilities of rail infrastructure in the face of extreme weather events, such as the dana storm, which can lead to significant damages and disruptions. Authorities and transport officials are working to address the consequences of the storm and restore normal operations on the affected routes as soon as possible. Passengers are advised to stay informed about the status of train services and alternative transportation options during this period of disruption.
The safety of passengers and railway personnel is a top priority during incidents like the dana storm, which can pose risks to both infrastructure and human life. Emergency response teams and railway workers are on the ground to assess the damages caused by the storm and to ensure the swift and safe resumption of train services. The coordination between different agencies and stakeholders is crucial in addressing the challenges posed by the storm and mitigating its impact on the transportation network in the affected regions. Efforts are underway to clear the tracks, repair any damages, and resume train operations as soon as conditions allow.
As the clean-up and restoration efforts continue, passengers are being urged to remain patient and cooperative with authorities and transport staff in order to facilitate the recovery process. The closure of the AVE line connecting Valencia with Madrid and Barcelona underscores the importance of resilience and preparedness in the face of natural disasters and extreme weather events. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for robust infrastructure and emergency response systems to ensure the safety and continuity of transportation services in challenging circumstances. Despite the disruptions caused by the dana storm, efforts are underway to restore normalcy and resume train operations on the affected routes in a timely manner.
