At least 95 people lost their lives in Spain following torrential rains that triggered the country’s most devastating floods in nearly thirty years. The floods caused torrents of muddy water that surged through cities and towns, trapping residents in their homes, uprooting trees and disrupting transportation.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez addressed the nation, urging unity and vigilance as the threat of further flooding remained. He acknowledged the repeated natural and health crises Spain has faced and expressed solidarity with those affected.
In remembrance of the victims, three days of national mourning were declared, and King Felipe also extended his condolences to the grieving families.
As rescue operations continued for the dozens of missing individuals, authorities advised motorists to avoid flooded areas and swollen rivers, warning that severe weather conditions were expected to persist.
The Valencian government reported 92 deaths in its region, with additional fatalities in Castilla-La Mancha and Andalucía .
Emergency services urged the public to steer clear of flooded roads to facilitate access for rescue teams, which included over 1,000 soldiers deployed to assist in the worst-hit areas.
The central government dispatched forensic experts to aid in identifying victims.
Images broadcast on Spanish television displayed the chaos in towns like Letur, where raging waters swept away vehicles.
Mayor Ricardo Gabaldón of Utiel described the catastrophe, stating, "We were trapped like rats. Cars and rubbish containers were flowing down the streets. The water was rising to 3 metres 10ft."
Rescue operations were underway, with military units saving residents stranded in their homes.
The recent floods mark Spain's deadliest since 1996 when similar conditions claimed 87 lives at a campsite in the Pyrenees.
Experts attributed the intense rainfall to a meteorological phenomenon known as the “gota fría,” which occurs when cold air moves over warm Mediterranean waters, causing atmospheric instability.
While rains subsided in Valencia by Wednesday morning, weather forecasts indicated that more storms could develop, particularly in northeastern regions.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez addressed the nation, urging unity and vigilance as the threat of further flooding remained. He acknowledged the repeated natural and health crises Spain has faced and expressed solidarity with those affected.
In remembrance of the victims, three days of national mourning were declared, and King Felipe also extended his condolences to the grieving families.
As rescue operations continued for the dozens of missing individuals, authorities advised motorists to avoid flooded areas and swollen rivers, warning that severe weather conditions were expected to persist.
The Valencian government reported 92 deaths in its region, with additional fatalities in Castilla-La Mancha and Andalucía .
Emergency services urged the public to steer clear of flooded roads to facilitate access for rescue teams, which included over 1,000 soldiers deployed to assist in the worst-hit areas.
The central government dispatched forensic experts to aid in identifying victims.
Images broadcast on Spanish television displayed the chaos in towns like Letur, where raging waters swept away vehicles.
Mayor Ricardo Gabaldón of Utiel described the catastrophe, stating, "We were trapped like rats. Cars and rubbish containers were flowing down the streets. The water was rising to 3 metres 10ft."
Rescue operations were underway, with military units saving residents stranded in their homes.
The recent floods mark Spain's deadliest since 1996 when similar conditions claimed 87 lives at a campsite in the Pyrenees.
Experts attributed the intense rainfall to a meteorological phenomenon known as the “gota fría,” which occurs when cold air moves over warm Mediterranean waters, causing atmospheric instability.
While rains subsided in Valencia by Wednesday morning, weather forecasts indicated that more storms could develop, particularly in northeastern regions.
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