In the wake of torrential rains that have unleashed devastating flash floods across southern and eastern Spain, emergency workers have reported the recovery of several bodies from the affected areas.
The catastrophic weather event has wreaked havoc, particularly in the town of Letur in Albacete, where powerful, mud-colored floodwaters swept through streets, tossing vehicles like toys.
Carlos Mazon, the leader of the Valencia region, confirmed early Wednesday that multiple deceased individuals had been found in the flooded zones, though he withheld specific numbers out of respect for the victims’ families.
Search efforts are ongoing for six individuals who remain unaccounted for, with emergency services utilizing drones to aid their efforts, as stated by a government representative in Castilla-La Mancha.
The crisis has prompted heightened concern from national leaders.
Heavy rains and strong winds disrupt flights and train services across the Valencia region.Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez took to social media to express his worries about the missing persons and the extensive damage caused by the storm.
He urged citizens to heed authorities’ advice and to avoid unnecessary travel amid the chaos.
The weather’s impact has also been felt in the air, with twelve flights diverted from Valencia Airport due to heavy rain and strong winds, alongside ten cancellations.
The national rail operator ADIF has suspended high-speed train services between Madrid and Valencia due to the storm’s effects.
In Andalusia, a high-speed train carrying 276 passengers derailed, fortunately without any injuries reported.
Emergency services have conducted numerous rescues, particularly in Álora, where helicopters were deployed to assist those trapped by overflowing rivers.
The extreme weather, linked to a phenomenon known as “gota fría,” highlights growing concerns about the increasing intensity of storms as a result of climate change.
State weather agency AEMET has issued a red alert for the Valencia region, while parts of Andalusia face the second-highest level of alert as road closures and disruptions continue.