Spain takes to social media in search for flood missing

Seeing the distress of countless Spaniards searching for news of missing loved ones after the country's worst flooding in decades, 38-year-old marketing expert Vanesa Molina decided to take action. She now manages the Instagram account "@dana.desaparecidos," where people can share photos and details of missing relatives in hopes of reaching more people.

In the eastern Valencia region, Spanish authorities report that dozens remain missing as rescue teams work through mud and debris. Over 200 fatalities have been confirmed. “The idea was to help however I could,” Molina shared, explaining that her social media posts aim to spread these messages as widely as possible.

Families send her photos, clothing descriptions, phone numbers, and vehicle details since many were trapped in cars during Tuesday’s floods. Messages on Molina’s account—run from her home in the Balearic Islands—include pleas like, “His name is Ramon Garcia Gisbert...He’s my brother. His phone has been off since Tuesday. Please, share to find him.”

In Paiporta, a Valencia suburb and flood epicenter, many are still missing. For two days, Chayma Bouchafra’s uncle Aziz was unaccounted for. After posting an appeal on X that went viral, with over 4,000 shares and 216,000 views, Aziz was found within a day.

Alongside social media, other media outlets have joined the effort. Public broadcaster TVE and Cadena SER radio have provided airtime for appeals. However, as days pass, hopes of finding survivors wane, and some families receive tragic confirmations from morgues. Two temporary morgues have been established in Valencia, with the regional authorities advising relatives not to visit in person due to staff limitations.

Online solidarity has played a significant role, filling in information gaps. Volunteers in flood-hit areas update accounts dedicated to the missing. In Benetusser, nurses relay real-time information to Molina, who updates her page whenever someone is found. “We’ve had dozens of good news stories and touching messages of thanks,” she said.

One creative user even developed a Google Maps tool, pinpointing each missing person’s details and location. The account also posts missing pets, with some reunions, such as that of an injured Bull Terrier found in Benetusser, providing moments of relief in the community.