At least 51 people have died in devastating flash flooding in southern and eastern Spain, the country’s authorities said on Wednesday morning.
Torrential rain caused flooding across a large area of the country, including the cities of Valencia and Malaga, on Tuesday.
Police and rescue services used helicopters to lift people from their homes and cars as mud-coloured water quickly filled streets in villages, towns and cities.
More than 1,000 soldiers were deployed to the worst-hit areas to help search for those unaccounted for.
As Spain’s central government set up a crisis committee to help co-ordinate rescue efforts, authorities confirmed on Wednesday morning that 51 people had been confirmed dead so far.
Valencian regional president Carlos Mazonurged people to stay at home so as not to complicate rescue efforts, with travel by road already difficult due to fallen trees and wrecked vehicles.
Addressing those trapped by the floods, he said: “If (emergency services) have not arrived, it’s not due to a lack of means or predisposition, but a problem of access.”
Storms forecast to continue this week
The rain had subsided in Valencia by late Wednesday morning, but more storms are forecast through Thursday, according to Spain’s national weather service.
Spain has experienced similar autumn storms in recent years.
Scientists say increased episodes of extreme weather are likely linked to climate change.
Alex Ross30 October 2024 09:51
British couple stranded in car for nearly 10 hours
A couple from the Midlands have told Sky News how they were stuck in their car for almost 10 hours during the floods.
Vitalij Farafonov and his wife were on the motorway in Valencia when they were diverted off the road on Tuesday night.
Hee said they were stuck on a “random rural road” before rescue teams arrived.
Mr Farafonov said: “It was mayhem as we counted nine or 10 overturned lorries on a half mile stretch of the motorway.
“We’ve never seen anything like it.”
Alex Ross30 October 2024 09:48
‘The worst day of my life’
Among the worst-hit areas is the town of Utiel, around 60 miles inland from Valencia.
Mayor Ricardo Gabaldon said: “Yesterday was the worst day of my life.
He said several people were still missing in his town.
“We were trapped like rats. Cars and trash containers were flowing down the streets. The water was rising to three metres,” he said.
Alex Ross30 October 2024 09:41
The flooding in pictures
Alex Ross30 October 2024 09:37
