At least 51 people have died as a result of torrential rain and flooding in the Spanish region of Valencia | Weather news

Emergency services continue search and rescue operations after flash floods hit southern and eastern Spain.

At least 51 people have died in flash floods in the eastern Spanish region of Valencia after torrential rain, local authorities said.

Strong storms caused flooding in parts of southern and eastern Spain on Tuesday. Footage posted on social media showed dirty brown water sweeping vehicles down the streets.

More than 1,000 soldiers from Spain’s emergency response units were sent to the affected areas. Spain’s central government has set up a crisis committee to coordinate rescue efforts.

Emergency services in Valencia urged citizens to avoid all road travel and to follow news from official sources.

“The preliminary death toll is 51,” Valencia’s emergency services wrote to X on Wednesday, adding that bodies were still being recovered and identified.

Carlos Mazon, the regional leader of Valencia, told a press conference that some people remain isolated in hard-to-reach places.

“If (emergency services) didn’t come, it’s not because of a lack of means or inclination, it’s because of an access problem,” Mason said, adding that it was “absolutely impossible” to get to certain areas.

Ricardo Gabaldón, mayor of Utiel in Valencia, told national broadcaster RTVE that “yesterday was the worst day of my life”. Several people were still missing in his town.

“We fell into a trap like rats. Cars and garbage containers flowed through the streets. The water rose up to three meters,” he said.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the government “will not abandon” those affected by the floods.

“All of Spain is crying with you. Our absolute priority is to help you… We will not leave you,” he said in a televised address.

King Felipe VI said he was “devastated” by the loss of life and thanked emergency services for their response. The monarchy also expressed “heartfelt condolences” to the families of the victims.

Footage posted on social media showed firefighters rescuing drivers during heavy rain in the city of Alzira and cars stuck in flooded streets.

The National Weather Service AEMET reported heavy rainfall, hail and strong wind gusts. A severe weather warning remains in effect for much of the country.

The meteorological service said that the situation in Spain will not calm down until Thursday.

Trains to the cities of Madrid and Barcelona were canceled due to the flooding, and schools and other essential services were suspended in the worst-hit areas.

Spain’s state railway Renfe said a high-speed train carrying 291 passengers traveling from Malaga to Madrid derailed shortly after departure due to a landslide. No casualties have been reported.

Lower House Speaker Francina Armengol said Wednesday’s parliamentary session would be canceled due to the disaster.

Scientists have warned that heavy rainfall has become more frequent and intense around the world, largely due to climate change. Human activities such as urban development, deforestation and inadequate infrastructure are also known to increase flood risks.