Spanish regions of Valencia and Anadalúsia hit by deadly floods – DW – 30/10/2024

At least 51 people have died as a result of the devastating storms that swept through southern and eastern Spain.

Regional emergency services reported a rising death toll as rescuers found more bodies on Wednesday in the flood-hit eastern region of Valencia.

“Bodies have been found,” confirmed Carlos Mason, head of Valencia’s regional government, who declined to provide further details out of respect for the families of the victims.

Torrential rains lashed several parts of southeastern Spain, causing flash floods that swamped roads and towns on Tuesday.

Authorities urged residents to stay indoors and declared a red alert in the eastern region of Valencia, where some areas such as Turís and Utiel recorded 200 mm (7.9 in) of rain.

Rescue operations are ongoing

Dozens of videos circulated on social media showing people stuck in floodwaters, many clinging to trees to keep them from being swept away.

Flash flooding swept cars off roads, disrupted rail services in large parts of eastern Spain and disrupted flights. The storms also left parts of Valencia without power.

“Yesterday was the worst day of my life,” Ricardo Gabaldón, mayor of Utiel in Valencia, told national broadcaster RTVE.

According to him, several people are still missing in his city. “We were trapped like rats. Cars and garbage containers flowed through the streets. The water rose up to three meters,” he said.

A high-speed train with almost 300 people on board derailed near Malaga, although railway authorities confirmed that no passengers were injured.

Spain’s national rail operator said it had suspended all train services in the Valencia region “until the situation returns to normal for the safety of passengers”.

Schools and sporting events were closed Wednesday, while parks remained closed.

More than 1,000 emergency response servicemen were sent to the affected areas.

Police and rescuers transported people who were in danger of drowning. Authorities also deployed the Spanish Army’s emergency rescue team to speed up rescue efforts.

mfi/lo (AP, Reuters, dpa)