Global

Death Toll Rises to 51 in Southeastern Spain Flash Floods as Rescue Efforts Intensify

At least 51 people have died after torrential rains unleashed devastating flash floods across southeastern Spain, officials report. Heavy rains and hailstorms have battered multiple regions, triggering rapid flooding that has swept through communities, collapsed bridges, and uprooted cars.

Authorities are struggling to determine the full scale of the disaster.

“It is impossible to put an exact number on the final death toll at this stage,” said Carlós Mazón, president of the Valencia region.

Rescue efforts are ongoing, with workers searching through debris and floodwaters as they attempt to locate survivors. In Letur, one of the hardest-hit areas, officials are using drones to locate missing people. “The priority is to find these people,” said Milagros Tolon, a local official speaking to TVE.

The flooding, caused by an unprecedented deluge, has resulted in Valencia recording 491mm of rain in just eight hours, equivalent to the region’s typical annual rainfall, according to Spain’s weather service, AEMET.

Footage shared on social media captures the chaos: bridges crumbling under pressure, vehicles swept away, and people clinging to trees to avoid being washed away.

Emergency services are struggling to respond as hundreds of calls come in from those trapped by floodwaters or searching for missing loved ones. Local media reports indicate dozens of people in Valencia spent the night stranded in vehicles, on rooftops, or on elevated structures, waiting to be rescued.

The severe weather has caused major transport disruptions. All train services in the Valencia region are suspended, and flights into Valencia have been either cancelled or rerouted to other cities, according to ADIF, Spain’s national rail infrastructure operator. Valencia city hall announced that all schools, parks, and sporting events would remain closed.

The Spanish government has declared a red alert in Valencia and issued the second-highest level of alert for parts of Andalusia. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed his concern on social media, urging residents to follow safety guidelines and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.

Chioma Kalu

Follow us on:

Chioma Kalu

Recent Posts

IGP Orders Investigation into Death of Ilorin Detainee Jimoh Abdulquadri in Police Custody

IGP Egbetokun has ordered an investigation into Jimoh Abdulquadri’s death in police custody, promising justice…

3 hours ago

Trump Dismisses Claims That Elon Musk Holds Real Power Behind US President-Elect

Donald Trump has rejected suggestions that Elon Musk is the true influence behind the newly…

3 hours ago

Tiger Woods’ 15-Year-Old Son Charlie Achieves His First Hole-in-One

Tiger Woods' son Charlie has achieved his first golf hole-in-one during the final round of…

3 hours ago

New Zealand Rejects Cook Islands’ Bid For A Separate Passport

New Zealand has rejected the Cook Islands’ proposal for a separate passport, requiring full independence…

3 hours ago

Honda, Nissan Eye Major Merger, Aim to Finalise Deal by 2025

Honda and Nissan plan a merger to create the world’s third-largest automaker, aiming to finalise…

3 hours ago

Trump Chooses Ex-Bank President As Latin America Envoy Despite Alleged Affair Scandal

Trump has selected ex-bank president Mauricio Claver-Carone as Latin America envoy, despite past misconduct allegations…

3 hours ago