Death toll rises as flash floods devastate eastern Spain
The death toll from catastrophic flash floods in eastern Spain has risen to 158, with rescue teams continuing the search for many missing individuals, raising concerns that this disaster could be Europe’s deadliest storm-related event in over fifty years.
Angel Victor Torres, the minister responsible for cooperation with Spain’s regions, confirmed the toll during a press conference, emphasizing that the number of missing individuals could add to the tragedy. “There’s a total of 158 people, to which must be added dozens and dozens missing,” he stated.
The floods were triggered by a staggering amount of rain—equivalent to a year’s worth—falling in just eight hours in the Valencia region on Tuesday. Meteorologists warn that human-induced climate change is intensifying the frequency and severity of such extreme weather events.
This incident marks Spain’s most severe flood disaster in modern history, surpassing previous tragedies, including Germany’s 2021 floods that claimed at least 185 lives.
Rescue operations have led to the recovery of several bodies, including a local policeman found trapped in a garage near Valencia. Mayor Maria Jose Catala reported the discovery of a 45-year-old woman in her home in the same area.
In the aftermath of the floods, thousands of residents were seen crossing a pedestrian bridge to Valencia city center, collecting essential supplies as they faced shortages.
Criticism has been directed at the central government for its response, with opposition politicians claiming a lack of timely warnings contributed to the fatalities. Laura Villaescusa, a local supermarket manager, expressed her frustration, stating, “Those people wouldn’t have died if they had been warned in time.”
In the nearby town of Paiporta, which has reported 62 deaths, Mayor Maribel Albalat criticized the lack of warnings, saying many victims were trapped in their homes or caught in their vehicles.
Survivor Antonio Molina recounted his harrowing escape in Godelleta, where he clung to a pillar as floodwaters rose around him. Molina, whose home has been flooded twice before, blamed local authorities for allowing construction in flood-prone areas.
The floods have wreaked havoc on Valencia’s infrastructure, destroying roads, bridges, and rail tracks, and severely impacting agricultural areas that produce a significant portion of Spain’s citrus exports. Transport Minister Oscar Puente noted that approximately 80 kilometers of roads were damaged, complicating rescue efforts.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, visiting a rescue coordination center, urged residents to remain indoors as more severe weather looms. “Right now the most important thing is to safeguard as many lives as possible,” he said.
In Utiel, a rural town severely affected by the floods, the Magro River overflowed, inundating homes and tragically claiming the lives of six residents, most of whom were elderly or disabled. As cleanup efforts began, local residents rallied to pump out water and clear debris.
Pope Francis offered his prayers for those affected, expressing solidarity in their time of crisis. Research from Climate Central suggests that the weather patterns contributing to the floods were exacerbated by climate change, making such extreme conditions increasingly likely.
As the rescue and recovery efforts continue, the focus remains on supporting those impacted and understanding the long-term implications of such devastating weather events.
