Flash Flood Kills 52 Persons, Dozen Missing In Eastern Spain
The floods sent vehicles adrift in submerged streets, swept through homes, and prompted closures of schools and rail services.
Flash floods have ravaged eastern Spain, leaving at least 52 dead and dozens missing, in what officials describe as one of the country’s most severe natural disasters in recent years.
Torrential rains on Monday and Tuesday submerged villages, blocked roads, and disrupted public transport, the New York Times reports.
In less than 24 hours, affected areas across southern and eastern Spain experienced over a month’s worth of rainfall.
Most of the fatalities were reported in Valencia, with another woman confirmed dead in Mira, Castile-La Mancha, where six others remain missing, according to local officials.
The floods sent vehicles adrift in submerged streets, swept through homes, and prompted closures of schools and rail services.
Over 1000 emergency soldiers were deployed to assist affected communities, while authorities in Valencia launched a helpline for reporting missing individuals and urged residents to avoid flooded roads.
“About 40 to 50 gallons per square yard,” noted Spain’s meteorological agency, highlighting the unprecedented rainfall. Forecasters warn that the storm will continue to impact northern Spain until at least Thursday.
