Torrential rainfall has caused deadly flash floods across southern and eastern Spain, affecting regions like Costa del Sol, where Malaga is located, and Valencia. As these areas grapple with the aftermath, a viral image circulating on social media claims to show Rafael Nadal personally helping to clean up the flooded streets in Valencia.
Nadal, along with fellow Spaniards Carlos Alcaraz, Paula Badosa, and others, has voiced his concern over the impact of Storm DANA. DANA is an acronym in Spanish for ‘Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos,’ meaning an isolated high-altitude low-pressure system.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“Today has been a sad day with the suffering and pain caused by Dana in our country. Our hearts ache when we see the images. My love and encouragement to all those who have suffered the loss of family and friends. Strength and courage to all.”
TrendingOn November 8, a photo was shared on X by user @imJoaoPinto, showing Rafael Nadal in a blue jacket, gloves, and knee-high rubber boots, holding a shovel and standing in a muddy area. The image appears to capture him engaged in cleanup in an outdoor area impacted by mud and debris, possibly following a natural disaster like a flood.
The user captioned the photo, claiming the Spaniard’s picture was taken in Valencia, where he was contributing to relief work following the recent disaster.
“Rafael Nadal in Valencia. What an idol!” they wrote.
However, the claim about the photo is incorrect—the picture of Nadal was not taken in Valencia this year. In reality, it was taken in his hometown of Mallorca in 2018, where he helped with cleanup efforts after flash floods tragically killed 12 people.
Rafael Nadal’s tennis academy in Mallorca heavily affected by flood due to DANA
Rafael Nadal’s tennis academy, the Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy, is located in Mallorca, which was heavily impacted by severe flooding in 2018. The disaster was triggered by DANA which brought torrential rains and devastating conditions to the region.
Speaking on the topic, Nadal’s uncle and former coach, Toni, told the media in Madrid that the academy’s condition had suffered significantly from the flooding. He also expressed sorrow over the tragic loss of lives caused by the disaster.
“[It] affected the academy. It did a lot of damage there, but I think it is insignificant compared to the tragedy we have lived through in Valencia, not only the Valencians, but all Spaniards,” Toni said.
He added:
“Obviously, this is not the time to discuss what happened in Mallorca. I, in particular, have experienced it with great sadness because losing so many lives all at once is hard, very hard. And then to see the images on TV is disheartening.”
