The catastrophic flash floods that have killed at least 217 people in Valencia, Spain, were caused by a phenomenon known locally as DANA, a Spanish acronym for high-altitude isolated depression. Unlike common storms or squalls, DANA can form independently of polar or subtropical jet streams.

Several Bobcat dealers have not hesitated to collaborate in a fully supportive manner with those affected by the DANA in Valencia. They have sent Bobcat machinery and personnel to the most affected areas.

Some dealers selflessly sent their own machinery, which has been essential for cleaning and debris removal tasks, while others personally involved themselves, traveling to Valencia to help address the damage caused by the floods.

“At Doosan Bobcat, we are deeply committed to supporting our neighbours and communities. Our recent efforts in Valencia, Turkey, and Czechia exemplify this commitment. In Valencia, our dealers swiftly deployed equipment and personnel to aid in debris removal and recovery efforts. In Turkey and Czechia, we provided funds and essential equipment to help those impacted by earthquakes and floods. These actions demonstrate our dedication to helping people rebuild their lives and recover from adversity,” said Lukas Jungbauer, Communication Lead at Doosan Bobcat EMEA.

Testimony from Bobcat Dealers

Ferran Recio, Business Manager for ITT Dynamics, based in Valencia, shared:

“To contribute to the recovery, ITT Dynamics has sent machinery and personnel to the affected areas in Valencia to help the people of Valencia with the essential task of removing mud and debris, opening up streets, and helping the region return to normality as soon as possible.

“Our ITT Dynamics branch in Ribarroja de Turia has suffered material damage, but fortunately, there are no personnel injuries.

“In addition, ITT has set up two collection points in Spain to gather materials that will be sent to Valencia. The transportation of materials will be carried out in collaboration with transport clients, who will accompany this important charitable work.”

Rubén Lorente, General Manager of Talleres Turquino de Galicia, added:

“After an initial urgent approach by a collaborator with a Bobcat T590 loader provided by Talleres Turquino, we saw that the track loaders were very effective for accessing and exiting waste, or even small vehicles, via garage ramps.

“When Grupo Barea asked us for rental equipment for the army, we did not hesitate to load Bobcat T86, T76, and T590 tracked loaders from our fleet onto a truck with seven units, among which we also sent two Bobcat L23 and L28 small articulated loaders. These loaders have been very agile for clearing the narrow alleys full of debris from the tragedy.”

Marcos Marín, Manager of Maquinaria Marcos Marín in Murcia, shared his experience:

“My experience as a volunteer was above all very enriching. Specifically, I went to help in Aldaya, a town that was badly affected. I collaborated with clients, many of whom I consider friends, mainly in cleaning garages. In the first few days, the priority was to empty the houses, basements, and garages of belongings, bailing out water and removing mud.

“The scene was desolate, but it was comforting to see and feel how people worked as a team, side by side, with tenacity and in good spirits. It is at these moments that you appreciate what our Valencian neighbours are made of—an example of struggle and overcoming.”

Continued Relief Efforts

Given the magnitude of the catastrophe, all machinery in full operation has been welcomed. Many places remain completely saturated with water, mud, plant debris, and waste. Bobcat loaders continue to work tirelessly, carrying out crucial tasks to sanitize garages, streets, businesses, and industrial areas, including locations difficult to access, such as narrow passages and tunnels.

Bobcat equipment will continue to perform essential tasks to restore normality in the most affected areas, reinforcing their support in various zones and joining efforts to mitigate the effects of this terrible DANA.

About Bobcat

Since 1958, Bobcat has been empowering people to accomplish more. As a leading global manufacturer of compact equipment, Bobcat has built a proud legacy of innovation and a reputation for delivering smart solutions to customers’ toughest challenges.

Backed by the support of a worldwide network of independent dealers and distributors, Bobcat now offers extensive lineups of compact machinery (including loaders, excavators, telehandlers, compact tractors, and mowers) and material handling equipment (including forklifts and warehouse solutions), plus a broad range of attachments, parts, and services.

The Bobcat brand is owned by Doosan Bobcat.

About Doosan Bobcat

Doosan Bobcat is a company within the Doosan Group. Doosan Group is a top-tier global enterprise that has proudly served customers and communities for more than a century. Doosan Bobcat is based in Bundang, South Korea.

To learn more about Bobcat’s products, attachments, and services, visit www.bobcat.com.