Spain is mourning the loss of at least 158 lives in what has been described as the worst flooding disaster in generations, as rescuers work tirelessly to find survivors.
Following torrential rain that struck the country, over 1,200 workers supported by drones have been deployed in the rescue efforts, which continue as rain persists in some areas. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated, “Right now the most important thing is to save as many lives as possible,” during a visit to the affected communities.
In several towns hardest hit by the floods earlier this week, locals are now focused on recovering bodies from the debris. Most of the confirmed deaths occurred in Valencia, with additional fatalities reported in Castilla-La Mancha and Andalusia, including a British national.
In Paiporta, a town where a river overflowed, at least 40 fatalities have been recorded. “We all know someone who has died,” lamented pharmacist Miguel Guerrilla, whose shop was inundated with mud. “It’s a nightmare.”
On Thursday, undertakers were seen collecting bodies from the streets while cars swept away by floodwaters were piled on top of one another. Many survivors recounted the terror of being trapped by rapidly rising waters, with some people climbing trees or bridges to escape the surging tides. Officials have not provided an exact number of the missing; however, they indicated that there are “many,” as the death toll rose by approximately 60 just on Thursday.
Wednesday alone saw more than 90 deaths reported following the severe rains and flash floods, which impacted not only Valencia but regions as far south as Malaga.
The Spanish meteorological agency Aemet reported that the town of Chiva received an entire year’s worth of rainfall within just eight hours. As further rain warnings were issued for southern and eastern Spain, King Felipe VI warned that the emergency situation is “still not over,” while PM Sánchez advised residents to seek shelter.
In the flood-stricken areas, hundreds of individuals are taking refuge in temporary accommodations and beginning the long, difficult process of clearing debris and restoring homes and businesses. Many roads and rail connections to Valencia remain cut off.
Spain has entered a three-day national mourning period, with flags at half-mast on government buildings and moments of silence being observed.
Public frustration is mounting over the perception that the government failed to adequately warn communities about the flood risks in a timely manner. Critics have pointed out that the civil protection agency did not issue an alert until 8:15 PM on Tuesday, by which time many places had already been flooded for hours.
Officials have labeled the flooding and downpours as “unprecedented.” While various factors contribute to such disasters, climate change has been identified as a significant factor that intensifies extreme rainfall. Researchers noted that of the likely causes, a “gota fría”—a seasonal weather phenomenon that brings cold air over warm Mediterranean waters—played a crucial role in the recent deluge.
Dr. Friederike Otto from Imperial College London stated, “There’s no doubt about it, these explosive downpours were intensified by climate change.”
The current death toll marks the deadliest flooding incident in Spain since 1973, when at least 150 deaths were reported in the southeastern provinces of Granada, Murcia, and Almeria.
Credit: BBC News
