Rescue workers in Spain are intensifying their search for victims following devastating floods that have claimed at least 95 lives, marking the deadliest disaster of its kind in the nation since 1973.
The torrential rains that began earlier this week transformed streets into rivers, damaging homes and sweeping away vehicles.
As of Thursday morning, over 1,200 individuals were reportedly stranded on highways amid approximately 5,000 abandoned cars, with thousands more lacking electricity or communication services.
Margarita Robles, Spain’s defense minister, announced that a specialized military rescue unit equipped with sniffer dogs has been deployed to the hardest-hit areas to sift through mud and debris.
Residents call for accountability as floods highlight the urgent need for improved climate preparedness measures.The grim reality of the situation was underscored by her statement, “Unfortunately we are not optimistic,” as the teams brought 50 mobile morgues for the grim task ahead.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez urged residents in affected regions to stay indoors, emphasizing the importance of heeding emergency services as the storm persists.
He reassured the public that the government is committed to locating the missing and will continue search efforts by land, sea, and air.
The flood’s aftermath has raised serious questions about the preparedness of Spain’s emergency response systems.
Critics highlight the delay in issuing alerts; many residents reported receiving warnings only after they were already trapped by rising waters.
Experts argue that effective warning systems and better urban planning are crucial for preventing such tragedies in the future, particularly as climate change intensifies extreme weather events.
As Spain grapples with this disaster, it stands as a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved flood risk preparedness and infrastructure resilience in the face of a changing climate.