The death toll from flash floods in eastern and southern Spain has reached at least 95, with several individuals still unaccounted for, prompting a red alert for continued heavy rainfall.
On Wednesday, Spanish authorities reported that the devastating floods swept cars through village streets, closed numerous roads, and disrupted rail services across multiple regions. The torrential rain and hailstorms have led to one of the worst natural disasters the country has faced in recent decades.
Emergency services in the Valencia region confirmed that 70 fatalities occurred there, while two more were reported in neighboring Castilla-La Mancha. Valencia’s regional president, Carlos Mazón, stated that it is currently “impossible” to determine the final death toll, as some individuals remain stranded in hard-to-reach areas.
In response to the crisis, the central government has activated a crisis committee and deployed over 1,600 soldiers from emergency response units to the affected regions. Three days of mourning have been declared starting Thursday for the victims of the floods.
Widespread Damage
Videos shared on social media and by local broadcasters depict floodwaters inundating homes and sweeping vehicles through the streets. Police and rescue services have utilized helicopters to evacuate individuals trapped in their homes and cars.
A high-speed train carrying nearly 300 passengers derailed near Malaga on Tuesday, but authorities confirmed that no injuries occurred. The flooding has resulted in numerous road closures, suspended rail services, and flight diversions in major cities such as Valencia, Madrid, and Barcelona. The national rail operator, ADIF, announced the suspension of high-speed train services between Valencia and Madrid, along with halts to other commuter lines in the impacted areas.
Spain’s civil aviation authority, Enaire, reported multiple flight diversions in Valencia and Madrid, as well as disruptions at airports in Alicante and Málaga.
According to Spain’s state weather agency AEMET, Tuesday marked the “most adverse day” of the flooding event, with additional storms expected through Thursday.
Government Response and Climate Concerns
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed concern over reports of missing individuals and damage caused by the floods. He urged citizens to exercise caution and follow authorities’ advice to avoid unnecessary travel.
Spain has experienced similar autumn storms in recent years, and scientists suggest that climate change may be exacerbating these extreme weather events. AEMET attributed the flooding to a “gota fría,” or cold drop, which occurs when cold polar air interacts with the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The agency noted that this recent cold drop is the most severe of the 21st century in the Valencia region.
In a statement, King Felipe VI expressed his devastation over the floods and extended condolences to the families of the victims. He also commended the rescue workers for their “titanic efforts.”
The European Union has offered assistance, utilizing its Copernicus geo-monitoring satellite system to coordinate rescue operations. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the EU stands ready to activate a civil protection mechanism should Spain require additional support. “Europe is ready to help,” she affirmed.