At least 51 people have lost their lives after torrential rainfall unleashed flash floods in southeastern Spain, particularly devastating areas around Valencia. In Chiva, near Valencia, more than a year’s worth of rain fell in just eight hours, with local officials calling the death toll a tragic unknown as rescue operations continue. Social media videos show the powerful floodwaters destroying bridges, sweeping cars through streets, and forcing residents to cling to trees to escape the torrents.
As emergency efforts ramp up, more than 1,000 troops are deployed to assist in locating the missing, with drones aiding the search in severely affected areas like Letur. Spain’s King Felipe VI expressed deep sorrow, sending condolences to the victims’ families. Civil protection services faced scrutiny over a delayed emergency warning, issued two hours after floods began, which many believe hindered residents’ ability to seek safety. Regional officials have urged people to avoid all travel due to widespread road closures and blocked access for rescue teams.
The Spanish weather service, AEMET, reported that Chiva experienced 491mm of rainfall in eight hours, sparking a red alert in Valencia and heightened alerts in Andalusia. Travel is paralyzed as Valencia’s train services are suspended and flights redirected. Schools, events, and parks remain closed as officials brace for further rain. Scientists warn that a warming atmosphere, intensified by climate change, may make such extreme weather events more frequent and destructive in the future.
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