Deadly Floods Hit Eastern Spain, Killing Over 90 People

Published: October ⁤31, 2024 11:10

Heavy rainfall caused severe flooding in‌ eastern Spain, primarily in ⁤the Valencia region, ⁤from ⁣October 29th to 30th. The devastating floods⁢ resulted in at least 95 fatalities, with dozens more reported missing. The government ⁤has​ warned that the death toll is likely⁢ to rise⁢ further.

The ⁤flash floods destroyed several bridges and buildings, leaving many ‍survivors to seek refuge on rooftops or cling to trees for safety.

In ⁣response to ‍the⁣ disaster, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez ⁣declared a‌ three-day ⁤national mourning period.

The Valencia region reported at least 92 confirmed deaths, while two fatalities were confirmed in the Castile-La⁤ Mancha region, located west ⁢of Valencia. Additionally, ⁣a ⁤71-year-old British man who was⁢ rescued from his home in Malaga ‌province, southern Spain,​ succumbed to his injuries⁣ at a hospital.

These floods are the deadliest in Spain since the 1973 floods in southeastern Spain, which claimed the lives of ⁢at least 150 people.

According to Spain’s‍ National Meteorological Agency (AEMET), the ⁣town of Chiva in the‌ Valencia region received a year’s worth of rainfall in just eight hours on October 29th.

Spanish military and rescue teams launched a massive rescue operation on the morning of October ⁢30th, transporting ⁣people to‍ safety using building​ balconies and car roofs.

Over​ 1,000 troops have ‍been deployed ‌to assist with rescue​ efforts,‍ but many have been⁣ unable to ⁤reach ‌the affected towns due to flooded ​roads and severed communication and power‌ lines.