At least 51 people have died due to torrential rain that triggered flash floods in southeastern Spain, according to authorities. The country has been severely impacted by heavy rainfall and hailstorms, leading to rapid flooding across multiple regions.
Rescue operations are currently underway, with the president of the Valencia region, Carlós Mazón, stating that it is “impossible” to provide an exact death toll at this time.
Footage shared on social media shows floodwaters wreaking havoc, knocking down bridges and sweeping cars through the streets. Other videos depict individuals clinging to trees to avoid being swept away.
The Spanish Weather Service reported that Chiva, located in the Valencia region, experienced 491mm of rain in just eight hours on Tuesday—equivalent to an entire year’s worth of rainfall.
Radio and television stations have reportedly received hundreds of calls for help from people trapped in flooded areas or searching for missing loved ones, as emergency services struggle to reach some locations.
Emergency responders are utilizing drones to search for the missing in the heavily affected municipality of Letur, local official Milagros Tolon informed Spanish public television station TVE. “The priority is to locate these individuals,” she stated.
Local media have reported that many people in Valencia spent the night stranded in trucks or cars, as well as on rooftops and bridges, awaiting rescue.
Spain’s state weather agency AEMET has issued a red alert for the Valencia region and the second-highest level of alert for parts of Andalusia.
The floods have caused significant transportation disruptions, with numerous flights scheduled to land in Valencia being diverted to other cities, and several others canceled. All train services in the Valencia region have been suspended, according to the national rail infrastructure operator ADIF.
Valencia city hall has announced that all schools and sporting events will be suspended on Wednesday, and parks will remain closed.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed his concern on social media regarding reports of missing individuals and urged people to heed authorities’ advice, advising against unnecessary travel.