At least 51 lives were lost in Spain due to flash floods that hit parts of the country. The torrential rains caused roads and towns to flood, resulting in cars being swept away, a train being derailed, and houses and buildings being damaged. Authorities in the worst-affected areas had advised people to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel. Emergency services reported that 51 people died in the floods in southeastern Spain, including children.
In Letur, near the Sierra de Segura, 30 individuals were trapped after the town’s river burst its banks. Videos shared on social media showed people stranded in floodwaters, some clinging to trees to avoid being swept away. Helicopters were used to rescue residents from their homes, and footage from Spanish broadcasters captured floodwaters entering homes and carrying cars through the streets.
Radio and TV stations received numerous calls for help from people trapped in flooded areas or searching for loved ones, as emergency services struggled to reach all affected locations. Over 1,000 soldiers from Spain’s emergency response units were dispatched to the devastated areas. The mayor of Utiel described the situation in his town as dire, with several individuals still missing.
A British couple recounted their harrowing experience of being stuck in their car for nearly 10 hours during the floods. They witnessed overturned lorries on the motorway and described the chaos they encountered. Transportation was significantly impacted by the flooding, with a high-speed train derailing near Malaga, fortunately without any injuries.
Spain’s King Felipe and Queen Letizia expressed their devastation over the storm and offered condolences to the families of the deceased. They commended the efforts of local and regional authorities, emergency services, and armed forces for their tireless work in responding to the disaster.
Scientists have linked the increase in extreme weather events, such as flash floods, to human-induced climate change. The warming of the Mediterranean, which leads to greater water evaporation, is believed to contribute to more intense rainfall. The recent storms in Spain serve as a reminder of the urgent need to address climate change and its impact on weather patterns.
