Rescue workers in Spain continue searching for survivors after flash floods killed over 150 people. The disaster ranks as one of Spain’s worst natural calamities in recent decades.
Torrential rain and hailstorms struck on Tuesday, devastating multiple regions. The eastern province of Valencia was hit hardest. Streets turned into raging rivers, submerging homes and sweeping away vehicles and people.
As of Thursday, Valencia’s authorities confirmed 155 deaths. Fatalities were also reported in Castilla-La Mancha and Málaga. Dozens remain missing, sparking a large-scale rescue operation. Over 1,000 emergency soldiers and local responders are involved in the search.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited Valencia on Thursday. He pledged government support for affected communities and urged residents to stay indoors. He assured citizens that resources would support search efforts, immediate needs, and long-term reconstruction.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the EU would coordinate rescue efforts. The Copernicus geo-monitoring satellite system will support operations. Member states have also promised additional resources to aid Spain’s response.
Ongoing Crisis and Public Reaction
Valencia remains in crisis, with thousands lacking water or electricity. Many residents are stranded due to blocked roads and destroyed vehicles. Key infrastructure has been severely damaged, halting transport, including high-speed trains to Madrid.
Criticism has emerged over the authorities’ response. Residents accused officials of issuing flood warnings too late. Alerts were sent to mobile phones only after several towns were already affected. This delay prompted public outrage and calls for accountability.
Spain’s national weather service called the downpour “extraordinary.” Valencia’s rainfall on Tuesday surpassed the total rain from the last 20 months. While Spain has experienced severe autumn storms in past years, this event’s destruction is unprecedented.
The current death toll is Europe’s highest from flooding since 2021. That year, floods caused at least 243 deaths in several countries. The disaster is Spain’s worst flooding since 1973, when a similar event claimed over 150 lives.
Meteorologists attribute the floods to a “gota fría,” or cold drop. This weather phenomenon occurs when cold polar air moves over warm Mediterranean waters. Experts warn that climate change will make such extreme weather events more frequent and intense.