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.