At Least 51 Dead as Devastating Flash Floods Sweep Through Streets of Spain

The death toll from extreme flash floods in Spain has now reached at least 51 in Valencia alone, according to regional government officials. This disaster, one of the worst in the country’s history, is expected to claim more lives as the search continues for dozens still unaccounted for.

Multiple bodies were recovered overnight, and rescue efforts are ongoing. In Chiva, a part of Valencia, a year’s worth of rain fell in just eight hours, totaling 491 mm according to the Spanish Weather Service.

Carlos Mazon, the region’s president, stated, “There are lifeless bodies in some areas that have begun to be accessed, and bodies continue to appear.”

The floods, described as mud-colored waters, wreaked havoc, flowing from the southern province of Malaga to the eastern region of Valencia. Footage captured the moment rows of cars were swept away as the water rose several feet in minutes, flooding the lower levels of homes.

Videos from Valencia airport showed the tarmac and runways completely submerged, with hundreds of passengers waiting for updates, many of whom were seen sleeping on the floor.

A high-speed train with nearly 300 passengers derailed near Malaga, but rail authorities confirmed that no injuries occurred. High-speed train services between Valencia city and Madrid were interrupted, along with several commuter lines.

Among the missing is a truck driver from L’Alcudia, Valencia, and six people are unaccounted for in neighboring Castilla La Mancha. These eastern provinces have been particularly affected by this unusual rainfall, which followed a period of severe drought.

In response, Spain’s weather office issued a rare red alert for extreme weather, its highest warning level for significant danger.

Amber warnings for rain and storms have been issued for the Valencia region, with severe weather expected to persist until Thursday. Video footage has shown hailstones the size of golf balls causing significant damage to vehicles, leaving dents and shattering windows.

Emergency services have received hundreds of calls, prompting the military to assist with the ongoing crisis. In one rescue operation, a family trapped in a car with three children on a dirt road was safely extricated.

El Ejido in Almeria has been particularly hard hit, with many basements and garages flooded, along with ground floors of homes. Helicopter rescues have also taken place in the town, as residents found themselves trapped due to rising water levels.

The floods are anticipated to result in millions of euros in damages. The Valencian Farmers Association warned in Spanish newspaper El Mundo that “up to 100% of the harvest” could be lost, as trees and soil were uprooted and agricultural infrastructure severely damaged.