Torrential rains in southern and eastern Spain have caused devastating flash floods, resulting in several fatalities and widespread disruption.
The storm, which struck on Tuesday, led to swift and powerful floodwaters sweeping through towns, particularly in the eastern province of Albacete.
Images from Spanish television showed cars being carried by the flood in the town of Letur, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Authorities confirmed that multiple bodies have been recovered in flood-affected areas, though they have withheld specific details out of respect for the victims’ families.
Search operations are still underway, with emergency responders, including drones, working tirelessly to locate six missing individuals in the wake of the disaster.
Emergency workers and drones continue the search for missing individuals amid widespread Spanish floods.In the town of L’Alcúdia in Valencia, authorities are also searching for a truck driver who went missing during the storm.
In addition to the loss of life, the storm caused significant transportation disruptions.
High-speed trains between Madrid and Valencia were suspended due to damage to the rail network, and several flights to and from Valencia airport were diverted or canceled.
Emergency services in Andalusia were also called into action, with many people being rescued, including some via helicopter, after a river overflowed in Álora.
The intense rainfall and flash floods were caused by a weather phenomenon known as the “gota fría,” or “cold drop,” which occurs when cold air interacts with warm Mediterranean waters, creating unstable conditions that rapidly develop into severe storms.
This type of extreme weather event is becoming more frequent and intense, with scientists linking the rise in such events to the ongoing climate crisis.
In the face of this tragedy, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez urged citizens to heed authorities’ warnings and avoid unnecessary travel as emergency teams continue their efforts to manage the aftermath of the storm.