Spain in Sorrow: Nation Mourns as Floods Claim Nearly 100 Lives
Spain Flash Floods: Death Toll Rises to 95, EU Offers Support
Latest statistics show that the number of people killed in the flash flood, which occurred on October 29 in the Southeast region of Spain, has reached at least 95 people and this number may increase because many areas have not yet reported damage, while dozens of people were still missing.
Heavy rain and high winds have hit Spain since the beginning of the week. Television footage showed that rainfall on October 29, equivalent to a month’s worth of rain, fell across southern and eastern Spain including the Valencia and Andalusia regions, causing severe flooding, stressing many streets were submerged, cars were swept away, and many roads were destroyed. This is the worst flood in Spain since 1996.
Spain announced a 3-day national mourning to commemorate nearly 100 victims who died after the most serious flash flood in the past 30 years. Spain’s King Felipe 6 sent his condolences to the families of the victims. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez affirmed that the government will “not abandon” any people. He urged people not to let their guard down as the emergency situation continues.
“The whole of Spain is crying. Our absolute priority is to help you. The public administrations are working, we are working in a coordinated way to make this happen and we will provide all necessary means today and tomorrow and for as long as it takes so that we can recover from this tragedy. We will not leave you alone.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the European Union is ready to support Spain. Speaking to the press, Ms. von der Leyen said the European Commission had activated the Copernicus satellite system to help coordinate rescue teams, as well as had requested the activation of the civil protection mechanism.
“What we are witnessing is devastating. We send our condolences to the victims, their families and friends. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to bring as many people to safety as possible. And Europe is ready to help. We have activated the Copernicus satellite system to help coordinate rescue teams. And we have asked to activate the civil protection mechanism to support Spain”.
Many European Union member countries also said they were ready to assist Spain in dealing with the consequences of floods. Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed “solidarity” with all Spanish people. German Prime Minister Olaf Scholz sent his deepest condolences to the victims’ relatives and offered to help Spain cope with the floods.
According to scientists, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent around the world due to climate change. In Europe, the warming of the Mediterranean has increased evaporation, which plays a major role in making downpours more severe. Ms. Hannah Cloke, Professor of Hydrology, Reading University, UK commented:
“We will see more flash floods in the future. This has traces of climate change, these terrible downpours and these devastating floods. We have to help people understand the danger they are facing.