Colombian man dies trapped in his vehicle during heavy rains caused by the DANA

The recent natural disaster in Valencia, Spain, caused by the DANA (Isolated Depression at High Levels), has claimed the lives of more than 200 people, including Nelson Quijano, a 59-year-old Colombian from Bucaramanga. Quijano, who had arrived in Spain in July to visit his son and grandson after two years of separation, became the first Colombian fatal victim of the phenomenon.

On October 27, Nelson was trapped in a traffic jam during heavy rains, while returning home. In the midst of the emergency, he contacted his son via video call, expressing his fear: “I was scared, very nervous,” Carlos Quijano, the victim’s brother, told the newspaper El Tiempo. That call was the last communication he had with his family.

The tragedy was confirmed on October 31 when his son, along with the authorities, found Nelson’s van and recovered the body. “On Wednesday night he called us to give us the unfortunate news,” Carlos shared in an interview with Caracol Radio.

Nelson, a successful businessman linked to the family business Tochasi, had decided to extend his stay in Valencia and work as a delivery man to spend more time with his family. He planned to turn 60 on December 27, a celebration that the family was looking forward to.

The DANA, a meteorological phenomenon characterized by intense and sudden rains, caused massive flooding, the overflowing of rivers and ravines, and a widespread collapse in the province of Valencia. The Colombian community in the region, estimated at more than 100,000 people, has been one of the most affected. The lack of electricity has made communications and locating missing compatriots difficult.

President Gustavo Petro instructed authorities to prepare humanitarian aid and be ready to attend to possible massive requests for return to the country.

Nelson's family has decided to carry out the funeral arrangements in Spain due to the logistical complications of repatriating the body. "Although they offered us consular help and the Spanish government is willing to repatriate him, the process can take more than a month," Carlos said.