Óscar Corral, a prominent photographer with EL PAÍS, has won the esteemed King of Spain International Journalism Award in the photography category for an image captured shortly after a devastating storm known as 'dana' that struck Valencia in October 2024. The award-winning photograph depicts six firefighters working tirelessly to remove a severely damaged post in the municipality of Alfafar, which faced some of the worst impacts of this natural disaster. The storm resulted in 230 fatalities, widespread flooding, and significant destruction across the province.

Corral's photograph has not only garnered recognition at the international level but had previously been honored with the Ortega y Gasset Journalism Award, underscoring its powerful visual impact and journalistic merit. In accepting the award, Corral expressed gratitude and emphasized the need to focus on the victims of the tragedy, highlighting the humanitarian aspect of reporting beyond just showcasing the damage. His work exemplifies how visual storytelling can evoke empathy and raise awareness around community struggles during crises.

This recognition serves as a reminder of the critical role of journalism in documenting natural disasters and their aftermath, particularly in regions like Valencia that are increasingly vulnerable to climate-related events. As communities rebuild, the work of journalists like Corral plays an essential part in preserving the memory of the victims and ensuring their stories are not forgotten, reinforcing the importance of responsible and impactful reporting in contemporary discourse.