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Devastating flash flooding in southern and eastern Spain have left at least 72 people dead, with tragic reports suggesting a baby and eldery woman are among the victims.
As torrential rain – amounting to a year’s worth in just eight hours, in some areas – inundated cities like Valencia and Malaga, many found themselves “trapped like rats” in their homes and cars, surrounded by rapidly rising floodwaters.
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 afternoon that 72 people have died so far.
Reports have suggested that a baby is among four people who have died in the town of Torrent, just outside Valencia. The Independent has so far been unable to verify the information.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said dozens of towns had been flooded.
“For those who are looking for their loved ones, all of Spain feels your pain,” Mr Sanchez said in a televised address. “Our priority is to help you. We are putting all the resources necessary so that we can recover from this tragedy.”
Adding: “We mustn’t let our guard down because the weather front is still wreaking havoc and we can’t say that this devastating episode is over.”
PINNED: Floods in Spain: What we know so far?
- At least 72 people have been killed after torrential rain led to flash floods in villages, towns and cities across eastern and southern Spain. Of those, 62 died in the Valencia region, while two were killed in the Castilla La Mancha provence.
- More than 1,000 soldiers from Spain’s emergency response unit have been deployed to the most devastated areas to help search for missing people, and to clear up the damage caused by the floods.
- Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez has warned the danger is not over despite rain having subsided in Valencia by late Wednesday morning, with the storm heading north. “For those who are looking for their loved ones, all of Spain feels your pain,” he said in a televised message.
- The project to rebuild towns and cities following the damage will be huge, said Mr Sanchez, who also hinted he could call on the help of European Union states. Germany has already offered its support.
- Spain’s state weather agency, AEMET, has issued alerts for regions in the south west and north east of the country, with heavy showers forecast.
Salma Ouaguira30 October 2024 14:15
Watch: Moment bridge falls apart due to strong floods in
The intense rainfall caused by the recent dana storm in Spain has triggered a series of incidents that have kept residents on high alert since Tuesday.
Among the most striking scenes is the collapse of a bridge in a key area of Valencia.
The force of the water swept away the structure in the area of Picanya.
Salma Ouaguira30 October 2024 15:44
Pictured: Barcelona under high alert for flooding and heavy rains
Salma Ouaguira30 October 2024 15:34
High-speed trains between Madrid and Valencia cancelled for the next 4 days
Spain’s transport minister Óscar Puente has announced the high-speed rail services (AVE) between Madrid and Valencia will be cancelled for at least the next four days.
In a message on X, he said: “The damage to the high-speed rail service between Madrid and Valencia is significant.
“Resuming service within the next four days does not seem possible.
“Once we have a definitive assessment of the time needed to restore the line, we will make it public.”
Salma Ouaguira30 October 2024 15:24
Heavy rain floods streets and areas of Jerez
The dana weather system affecting much of Spain has caused flooding in various parts of the city of Jerez this afternoon.
Streets in the city centre, such as Provera, Larga, and Honda, have been inundated,
The floods have displaced containers and impacted vehicles on streets and under bridges that have been submerged.
Salma Ouaguira30 October 2024 15:18
‘The entire nation mourns with you’ – PM
Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sanchez earlier delivered a speech following the deadly aftermath of the dana flooding.
He urged people across the country to be cautious and reassured those in affected areas by saying: “We won’t abandon you.”
In his televised address, Sanchez also committed to rebuilding the damaged infrastructure, adding: “For those still searching for their loved ones, the whole of Spain weeps with you.”
Salma Ouaguira30 October 2024 15:11
Flood leaves a trail of carnage along roads in Valencia
The severely damaged cars and the positions they’ve been discovered in this morning reflect the power of the flooding in Valencia yesterday.
As residents start to clean up the damage, these images show the task they have ahead.
Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez has promised those impacted that they will get the full support of the country as they look to rebuild their communities from today.
Alex Ross30 October 2024 15:00
Portugal ‘expresses its greatest regret’ – PM
Often seen as Spain’s closest ally, Portugal has reacted to the tragic events, with prime minister Luis Montenegro issuing a statement on X, formerly Twitter.
He wrote: The Portuguese government expresses its greatest regret at the high number of victims of the floods recorded in Spain, shows solidarity with all the Spanish people and the government and makes itself available for all necessary help.”
Alex Ross30 October 2024 14:54
Spanish government declares three days of mourning
It’s just been confirmed by the Spanish government that there will be three days of mourning for the victims of the flash floods.
At least 64 people have died in the extreme weather, which hit the Valencia and Castilla La Mancha regions on Tuesday.
Ángel Víctor Torres, the minister responsible for territorial policy, has just told reporters that the three days of mourning will begin on Thursday.
Alex Ross30 October 2024 14:48
Elderly couple rescued from neighbour’s home
As the water levels rose, those most at risk were the elderly, with many holding up in homes as they waited for the danger to pass.
We’re seeing images today of some of those people now being rescued, including this couple were were stranded in a neighbour’s home.
Soldiers from Spain’s emergency response have been helping rescue efforts, with some people still trapped inside homes.
Alex Ross30 October 2024 14:34