Heavy rain and hailstorms have caused severe flash floods in southeastern Spain, leaving at least 51 people dead. The flooding struck multiple areas, with rescue operations ongoing. Authorities warn that the final death toll could rise.
Carlos Mazón, the president of the Valencia region, said it’s too soon to determine exactly how many people have lost their lives. Videos on social media show floodwaters sweeping away bridges, dragging cars, and forcing people to cling to trees to survive.
The Spanish Weather Service reported that Chiva, a town in Valencia, received 491mm of rain in just eight hours—about as much as it usually gets in a whole year.
Emergency services are overwhelmed, with people trapped in flooded areas or searching for missing loved ones. Drones are being used to search for those unaccounted for, especially in the heavily affected area of Letur.
Dozens of people in Valencia had to spend the night stranded on bridges, rooftops, or in their vehicles, waiting for rescue teams to arrive.
A red weather alert has been issued for Valencia, while other regions, like Andalusia, are on high alert. The floods have caused major disruptions: flights were canceled or redirected, all train services in Valencia were suspended, and schools, parks, and sports events were closed.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed his concern on social media, urging residents to follow safety instructions .