Eastern Spain is grappling with a humanitarian crisis as the death toll from recent catastrophic flooding has surged to 158, according to regional authorities.
The government has declared three days of mourning following the disaster, which is now considered the deadliest flooding event in Spain’s modern history.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez urged citizens to remain indoors as storm alerts continue to forecast further severe weather in northern regions.
In the Valencia region, where the impact has been most severe, 155 bodies have been recovered, with additional fatalities reported in Castilla-La Mancha and Andalusia.
Officials have yet to determine how many individuals remain unaccounted for, but Defense Minister Margarita Robles indicated that the death toll may increase, given that rescue operations are hindered in some inaccessible areas.
Survivors recount harrowing tales as floodwaters engulf homes and infrastructure across affected regions.National mourning was observed with flags at half-mast and a minute of silence across the country.
Survivors recounted harrowing experiences as flash floods transformed streets into torrents, causing widespread devastation to infrastructure, including roads and bridges.
Criticism arose regarding the timing of emergency alerts, with many residents claiming that notifications arrived too late to prevent loss of life.
Emergency services, supported by over 1,200 military personnel, are tirelessly working to locate survivors and recover victims.
The ongoing search efforts aim to mitigate the suffering of affected families, as Sánchez emphasized the importance of safety measures and adherence to emergency instructions.
Meteorological experts attribute the extreme rainfall, which inundated areas with a year’s worth of precipitation in just eight hours, to a phenomenon known as “gota fría,” exacerbated by climate change.
Local officials and residents are now facing the daunting task of rebuilding their lives amidst the widespread destruction.