Intense rainfall affecting the Southern European country of Spain has led to a flood disaster. It was announced that 62 people lost their lives in the eastern autonomous region of Valencia. Regional leader Carlos Mazon stated that some individuals were stranded in inaccessible areas. A train carrying 300 passengers derailed near Malaga. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez urged people to avoid unnecessary travel. The Spanish Football Federation postponed Valencia’s Copa Del Rey match scheduled for today. Spanish officials reported that the flooding caused by the heavy rainfall dragged cars, turned village streets into rivers, and devastated railway lines and highways.
According to reports, at least 62 people died in the floods that affected the Valencia region in eastern Spain following torrential rain that inundated roads and towns yesterday.
Throughout the night, dozens of videos shared on social media showed people being swept away by floodwaters, with some clinging to trees to avoid being carried away. Valencia regional leader Carlos Mazon stated in a press conference that some people remained marooned in inaccessible areas.
Mazon said, “Lifeless bodies have been found at certain points accessed, and efforts to recover more bodies are ongoing. Out of respect for families, we will not provide further details.”
He noted that the region experienced the biggest disaster caused by heavy rainfall since 1996. On the other hand, a high-speed train carrying approximately 300 passengers derailed near Malaga, although railway officials reported no injuries.
High-speed train services between Valencia and the capital Madrid and some suburban rail lines were disrupted. The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) postponed Valencia’s Copa Del Rey match scheduled for today.
The Spanish state meteorological agency AEMET predicts storms will continue until tomorrow. Valencia has been placed under a red alert, and some areas like Turis and Utiel have recorded 200 mm of rainfall. Emergency services have urged the public to avoid all kinds of road travel and stay updated on official sources for the latest information.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also issued a statement via his social media account.
Sanchez stated, “I am closely and anxiously monitoring the information regarding missing individuals and the damage caused by the heavy rain and storms over the past few hours. All emergency services, civil protection, military emergency response teams, police, and civil guards are on duty in the region. Let’s be extremely careful in the face of the storm and avoid unnecessary travel.” The Royal Palace expressed great concern as they closely monitor the devastating effects of the heavy rain and storms in Valencia, Castilla-La Mancha, Murcia, Andalusia, and other regions of Spain.
The statement read, “Our heartfelt wish is for the prompt rescue and recovery of our missing citizens. We stand in solidarity with the thousands of people affected by this disaster.” Spain has experienced similar autumn storms in recent years while grappling with the aftermath of severe drought earlier this year.
Scientists suggest that the increase in extreme weather events may be linked to climate change.