By José Bautista and Isabella Kwai
At least 95 individuals have lost their lives and many others are unaccounted for following catastrophic flash floods that struck eastern Spain, as reported by local officials, marking one of the most severe natural calamities to impact the country in recent memory.
The disastrous floods, propelled by a relentless downpour that commenced on Monday, swept away vehicles, inundated residences, and disrupted power supply throughout eastern Spain. Rescue teams navigated through waters reaching neck height to assist affected individuals.
In the locality of Chiva within the eastern region of Valencia, nearly an entire year’s worth of rainfall occurred within just eight hours, as indicated by Spain’s meteorological agency on Wednesday, highlighting the intensity of the storm. Other regions in the south and east experienced over a month’s worth of rainfall in under 24 hours.
The extent of the disaster became increasingly clear on Wednesday, with regional authorities confirming the death toll of 95 in the Valencia area, which faced severe impacts from the storm across cities, towns, and villages along the mountainous coastline.
Additionally, two fatalities were reported in the bordering province of Castile-La Mancha, where at least five more individuals are missing in the Albacete municipality, according to local government statements.
While more individuals remain unaccounted for, authorities in Valencia noted that they could not provide an exact number. A dedicated phone line has been established for reporting missing persons, and residents are advised against traveling in impacted areas. Officials mentioned that the death toll is anticipated to increase.
Over 1,000 emergency response soldiers have been deployed to assist in dealing with the disaster, as officials released videos showing some individuals being airlifted from inundated locations or awaiting rescue on rooftops.
Extensive regions appeared to be nearly fully submerged, with footage from the Civil Guard showing dozens of vehicles stranded in the wake of the flooding. Some structures were left in a state of destroyed rubble.
The destruction of roads and bridges has complicated rescue efforts, officials stated on Wednesday. Overflowing ravines and high winds have also impacted infrastructure that provides telecommunications and power to the region. About 155,000 clients were reported to be without electricity, as stated by Iberdrola, a Valencia energy company, which noted that crews were experiencing challenges in restoring service.
Roadways leading to the regional capital, also named Valencia, were strewn with debris and engulfed in mud, local media reported, while the subway system was flooded. On Wednesday, regional train services were suspended, and numerous schools were closed across various locations.
On Wednesday, the Spanish parliament observed a minute of silence to honor the victims. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez pledged in a speech to assist the flood-affected areas in their recovery. “Together we will rebuild your streets, your squares, your bridges,” he articulated from Madrid. “All of Spain weeps with you,” he added.
The torrential rain is not yet finished: additional rainfall was anticipated on Wednesday, prompting Spain’s meteorological agency to elevate the emergency alert for the Valencia region to its highest tier. Valencia, a favored tourist destination, is also recognized for its vibrant agricultural sector, cultivating citrus and various fruits and vegetables.
Although storms are a common occurrence during the autumn months in Spain, local residents were taken aback by the significant rainfall: exceeding 70 gallons per square yard in certain villages. In Chiva, more than 100 gallons per square yard fell within eight hours, essentially a year’s worth, according to Spain’s meteorological agency.
