At least 72 dead after Spain hit by flash flooding - as cars swept away and rescuers scour muddy waters for bodies
30 October 2024, 17:24
At least 72 people have died after Spain was hit by flash flooding - with cars being swept away and rescuers scouring muddy waters for bodies.
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A year's worth of rain fell in just eight hours in the eastern region of Valencia on Tuesday, destroying bridges and buildings in the area.
The water carried away cars, derailed a train and rose several feet into the lower levels of homes, as landslides caused by the floods also caused disruption.
Locals described seeing people clambering onto the roofs of their cars as a churning tide of brown water gushed through the streets, uprooting trees and dragging away chunks of masonry from buildings.
More than 1,000 soldiers were sent to the worst-hit areas to help with rescue efforts following the floods.
Meanwhile, the Spanish government announced three days of mourning for those who died in the extreme conditions.
The mayor of Utiel, a town in Spain, said Tuesday was "the worst day of [his] life".
"We were trapped like rats," Ricardo Gabaldon said. "Cars and trash containers were flowing down the streets. The water was rising to three metres."
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Spain "weeps with" the people who are still searching for family and friends.
He told reporters: "Our thoughts go out to those whose homes and possessions have been devastated and whose lives have been covered in mud.
"We are united and we will rebuild your streets and your squares and bridges. Mr Sanchez added: "Spain will be with you."
He said the government and emergency services would be working "24 hours a day as long as the emergency goes on".
Mr Sanchez said the "devastating event" may not be over, as more storms could be on the way.
A British couple in Spain reported seeing "nine or 10" overturned lorries in a short stretch of motorway near Valencia on Tuesday ngiht.
Spanish news agency EFE said that one truck driver was missing in L'Alcudia, a town in Valencia.
Also in Valencia, the mayor of Utiel, Ricardo Gabaldon, told RTVE that several people were trapped in their homes.
Police and rescue services used helicopters to lift people from homes and cars.
An emergency rescue brigade of Spain's army deployed to help rescue efforts.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said: "I am closely following with concern the reports on missing persons and the damage caused... in recent hours."
He told people to listen to the emergency services and "be very careful and avoid unnecessary trips."
Storms were forecast to continue until Thursday, according to Spain's national weather service.
Spain has experienced similar autumn storms in recent years.
The country is recovering from a severe drought this year thanks to rainfall.
Scientists say that increased episodes of extreme weather are probably linked to climate change.
