A devastating flash flood has swept through eastern Spain, claiming at least 52 lives and leaving dozens unaccounted for in what officials are calling one of Spain’s worst natural disasters in recent memory.
Torrential rains on Monday and Tuesday triggered widespread flooding, submerging entire villages, blocking major roads, and causing severe disruptions to public transportation, according to the New York Times.
Regions across southern and eastern Spain were inundated with rainfall that exceeded a month’s typical amount within just 24 hours, leaving the area in chaos.
Valencia reported the highest number of fatalities, and another woman was confirmed dead in Mira, Castile-La Mancha, where six people remain missing, as per local authorities. Floodwaters sent cars floating through streets, ravaged homes, and forced the closure of schools and rail services across affected areas.
In response to the crisis, over 1,000 emergency personnel have been dispatched to support affected communities. Valencia’s officials also established a dedicated helpline for residents to report missing persons and strongly advised locals to avoid flooded routes.
Spain’s meteorological agency noted that rainfall in the region reached levels of “about 40 to 50 gallons per square yard.” Weather forecasts predict that the storm will continue to affect northern Spain until at least Thursday, bringing further challenges to the ongoing rescue and relief operations.
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