Two homeless people have died in Cadiz in the space of 48 hours after Storm Francis brought low temperatures and heavy rain to the region.
The latest victim was a 78-year-old man, whose body was found on Thursday morning in the city’s historic centre.
Officers from the Policía Nacional are investigating the circumstances of his death, although early indications suggest natural causes, potentially linked to the man’s age and the harsh weather conditions.
The death follows that of Manuel Lopez, known locally as ‘el Worry’, who died on January 6, while sleeping rough beneath the Vistahermosa building.
He was well known around the Hospital Puerta del Mar area, and had been a familiar figure on Calle Sirenas before moving closer to the hospital.
The man who died on Thursday was also known in the neighbourhood, particularly around Candelaria and Vargas Ponce, where he regularly slept rough.
Cadiz mayor Bruno García described the death of a homeless person as ‘one of the worst pieces of news you can receive’, while stressing that the city council continues to work to address homelessness in the city.
‘Unfortunately, these situations continue to occur,’ Garcia said, ‘all we can do is mourn and keep working to expand the number of beds and improve services.’
He confirmed that while the city is nearing the reopening of its main shelter, overnight accommodation is currently being provided at a municipal building on Calle Setenil de las Bodegas.
According to the mayor, 20 people slept there on Wednesday night, alongside 20 others housed in a guesthouse under an agreement with the Ayuntamiento de Cadiz, and 22 more who stayed at the Caballeros Hospitalarios shelter.
Garcia said the council has a duty to continue expanding assistance for the city’s homeless population, which he estimates at around 117 people.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
