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At least 95 people have died due to severe flash floods caused by intense rainfall in southeastern Spain. In the town of Chiva, located near Valencia, over a year’s worth of rain fell within just eight hours, creating devastating conditions. Local officials have stated it is "impossible" to determine the final death toll, as many remain unaccounted for.
Dramatic footage shared on social media shows floodwaters wreaking havoc across the region, destroying bridges and sweeping cars through the streets. Witnesses have reported harrowing scenes of people clinging to trees to avoid being swept away by the rushing water.
The torrential rains and hailstorms have impacted many areas of Spain, leading to rapid flooding. In response, more than 1,000 troops have been deployed to assist with rescue efforts. Hundreds of motorists are reported stranded on highways, while emergency services have received numerous calls for help from people trapped or searching for loved ones.
Spain’s King Felipe VI expressed his devastation over the floods, offering condolences to the families of the victims. Patricia Rodriguez, a 45-year-old woman in Valencia, recounted a terrifying experience where drivers formed a human chain on a raised central reservation to escape the incoming water. “Thank goodness no one slipped because if anyone had fallen, the current would have dragged them away,” she said.
Chiva was one of the first towns to face the catastrophic flooding, with local media reporting that by Tuesday evening, the streets were flooded and debris, including cars and street furniture, was being swept away. Criticism has emerged regarding the timing of flood warnings; many residents claim the civil protection notification arrived too late to allow for a safe evacuation.
Defence Minister Margarita Robles called the flooding "an unprecedented phenomenon," stating that the sheer volume of water was overwhelming for emergency services. Government representatives noted that most main and secondary roads have been rendered impassable, complicating rescue efforts. Carlos Mazon, the regional leader for Valencia, emphasized that access challenges are hindering emergency responses, but not due to a lack of resources.
The Spanish weather service, AEMET, reported that Chiva received 491 millimeters of rain in just eight hours, prompting a red alert in Valencia and a second-highest alert level in parts of Andalusia. Flooding has caused significant transportation disruptions, with several flights diverted from Valencia and all train services in the region suspended. Local authorities have also announced that schools and sporting events will be canceled and parks closed in response to the crisis.
As the nation grapples with this disaster, scientists have noted that climate change has likely intensified the severity of these floods. The world has warmed by approximately 1.1 degrees Celsius since the industrial era began, increasing the likelihood of extreme weather events like this.
Source: BBC
