Severe floods following torrential rainfall have claimed the lives of at least 51 people in Spain's eastern Valencia region, according to local authorities.
Heavy downpours on Tuesday overwhelmed streets and overflowed rivers, sweeping away cars and causing widespread disruption to rail and air travel. Emergency services continue to identify victims, while drones and rescue personnel search for several missing individuals.
The intense storm, fueled by cold air over the Mediterranean Sea, brought more than a month’s worth of rainfall in just one day across parts of eastern and southern Spain. Video footage captured raging water inundating homes and streets, prompting Spain’s central government to establish a crisis committee. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez urged citizens to adhere to safety advisories.
In response, the government deployed the UME, a military unit specializing in emergency rescues, to assist local teams. Valencia’s city hall suspended all schools and events, while rail and air travel faced significant disruptions. Twelve flights into Valencia were diverted, and ADIF, Spain’s rail infrastructure operator, suspended services for passenger safety.
Meteorologists anticipate that the rain will continue until Thursday. The state weather agency, AEMET, has issued a red alert for Valencia, and a secondary alert in parts of Andalusia, underscoring the escalating frequency of extreme weather events due to climate change.
