Numerous Fatalities as Spain Experiences Most Severe Flooding in Decades
Severe rainfall in eastern Spain has resulted in flooding that has claimed the lives of dozens and left around 140,000 people without electricity. Read Full Article at RT.com.
The heavy rainfall began on Tuesday night and impacted eastern Spain, causing significant flooding from Malaga in the south to Valencia in the east. According to local meteorologists cited by Reuters, some areas within the Valencian Community experienced a year's worth of rain in just eight hours, leading to the deadliest flooding in Spain in three decades.
The confirmed death toll stands at a minimum of 70, as per El Pais, which cites government sources, with several people reportedly still missing. In response to the disaster, the Spanish military has been mobilized to aid in the search for missing individuals and to recover the bodies of victims. The operation includes the use of aircraft and specially trained dogs, according to the newspaper.
This incident marks the highest death toll in the EU since 2021, when flooding in Germany claimed at least 185 lives. It is also recognized as the deadliest flood in Spain since 1996, which saw 87 fatalities under similar circumstances.
Many individuals were forced to spend the night atop trucks or on the roofs of buildings, gas stations, and shops, as reported by Spanish media. The floods also caused power outages that affected around 140,000 residents.
"My thoughts & prayers are with the people of #Valencia #Spain after devastating floods killed at least 51 people & destroyed several properties. My condolences to the victims’ families & wishing a speedy recovery to those injured #Solidarity @EspanaenUE