Spain is grappling with its worst flooding disaster in decades, with at least 95 confirmed fatalities and dozens more missing after torrential rains triggered flash floods across the eastern province of Valencia and beyond. The catastrophic rainfall on Tuesday resulted in widespread destruction, including swept-away bridges and buildings, forcing many to seek refuge on rooftops and in trees.
In response to the disaster, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has declared three days of national mourning. The government warns that the death toll may rise as search and rescue operations continue amidst challenging conditions. Of the reported deaths, 92 occurred in Valencia, while two were recorded in Castilla-La Mancha and one in Málaga, where a British man succumbed to injuries after being rescued from his home.
This tragedy marks Spain’s deadliest flooding since 1973, which resulted in an estimated 150 fatalities. In a national address on Wednesday, Sánchez expressed solidarity with victims, stating, “The whole of Spain weeps with you… we won’t abandon you.”
The town of Chiva, one of the first affected, reported receiving a year’s worth of rainfall within just eight hours. Survivors recounted harrowing experiences as floodwaters surged unexpectedly, turning streets into rivers. Guillermo Serrano Pérez, 21, described the scene as “like a tsunami,” as he and his family abandoned their vehicle to escape the rising water.
Local authorities have faced criticism for their slow response to the disaster, with many residents claiming that warnings from the civil protection agency came too late. The agency did not issue an alert until 20:15 local time, well after flooding had already begun.
As rescue efforts continue, over 1,000 troops have been deployed, with the European Union activating its Copernicus satellite system to assist in coordination. The heavy downpour has eased in some areas, but meteorologists warn that rain is expected to move northeast toward Catalonia, with further weather alerts in place across the country.
Experts point to climate change as a factor in the increasing severity of such weather events. Researchers indicate that warming temperatures enable the atmosphere to hold more moisture, resulting in intense rainfall. Dr. Friederike Otto from Imperial College London noted that “these explosive downpours were intensified by climate change.”
As recovery efforts unfold, the nation faces a long road ahead. Many communities are left devastated, and the search for those still missing continues.