According to local authorities in Valencia, Spain, there were at least 72 deaths reported after the flash floods inundated the region, following the intense rainfall.
The severe storm has resulted in significant disruptions throughout Spain, affecting rail services and prompting numerous flight cancellations. Rescue efforts are currently in progress in the impacted regions, with military personnel deployed to provide assistance.
Severe flooding was reported in the area following yesterday’s heavy storms in southern and eastern Spain. Videos circulated on social media depicted vehicles being carried away by the muddy waters along the streets.
Over 1,000 personnel from Spain’s emergency response units were dispatched to the impacted regions, while the central government established a crisis committee to facilitate the coordination of rescue operations.
On October 29, the Spanish State Meteorological Agency issued weather alerts for several areas of the country in response to intense rainfall. For the majority of regions, the agency elevated the alert status to yellow (danger) and orange (high danger) due to the adverse weather conditions. However, in the southern and eastern parts of the country, where the rainfall was most intense, the alert level was escalated to red (extreme danger).
Valencia’s emergency services advised residents to refrain from all forms of road travel and to stay informed through official channels.
Today, emergency services in Valencia reported a total of 70 fatalities, with an additional two deaths recorded in the adjacent Castilla La Mancha region.
Six individuals are also unaccounted for in the province of Albacete.