Many residents and workers in the flooded areas in Vitoria and its surroundings were already prepared for the flooding, as it was not the first time something like this had happened. The incident report was minimal, with several buildings in Durana being flooded, including one that has been nicknamed “Noah’s Ark” but is currently uninhabited. In the industrial area, some workers even refused to be rescued by the firefighters in the Asteguieta area. At the Cerámicas Apaolaza factory, two people were trapped in a pavilion surrounded by water, and despite efforts to rescue them, they refused to leave. This left many baffled as to why they would do so.
In the Iruña de Oca area, floods are not common, so many residents were caught off guard by the rising waters. In Trespuentes, several neighbors tried to enter the village from all directions but found it was cut off, so they all gathered at a hotel in the center of Vitoria. While they enjoyed dinner and conversation, they were unaware that the authorities had provided over 200 free hotel rooms for those affected. This explains why the City Council only reported helping seven people. Despite being officially isolated, access to Trespuentes was possible through a rural road, while Víllodas was accessible via tractors.
In Vitoria, a crematorium located in Gamarra was flooded in its basements, leading to coffins having to be moved to higher floors. Despite the challenges, the authorities and emergency services were working to provide assistance and support to those affected by the flooding. The situation highlighted the importance of being prepared for natural disasters and working together as a community to overcome challenges. As the cleanup and recovery efforts continued, residents and workers in the affected areas were grateful for the support they received from volunteers, emergency services, and local organizations.
The flooding in Vitoria and its surroundings served as a reminder of the unpredictable and destructive nature of natural disasters. Many areas were familiar with flooding due to past experiences, while others were caught off guard by the sudden rise in water levels. Despite the challenges, residents and workers came together to support each other and overcome the obstacles they faced. The incident at the Cerámicas Apaolaza factory, where two individuals refused to be rescued, raised questions about safety protocols and emergency preparedness. However, the overall response from the community and authorities emphasized the importance of unity and resilience in the face of adversity.
As the waters receded and cleanup efforts began, the focus shifted towards assessing the damages and supporting those in need. The flooding underscored the need for improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness measures to mitigate the impact of future incidents. While some areas were accustomed to dealing with floods, others required additional support and assistance to recover from the devastation. By coming together and sharing resources, the community demonstrated its strength and resilience in the face of adversity. The lessons learned from this experience would be valuable in improving response strategies and enhancing the overall resilience of the region to future natural disasters.
