Spain floods latest: Victims ‘trapped like rats’ and 73 dead as Spanish PM says ‘devastating episode’ not over
The death toll continues to rise after the worst flash floods in three decades swept the eastern Spanish region of Valencia
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Devastating flash flooding in southern and eastern Spain have left at least 73 people dead, with tragic reports suggesting a baby and eldery woman are among the victims.
As torrential rain – amounting to a year’s worth in just eight hours, in some areas – inundated cities like Valencia and Malaga, many found themselves "trapped like rats" in their homes and cars, surrounded by rapidly rising floodwaters.
Police and rescue services used helicopters to lift people from their homes and cars as mud-coloured water quickly filled streets in villages, towns and cities.
More than 1,000 soldiers were deployed to the worst-hit areas to help search for those unaccounted for.
As Spain’s central government set up a crisis committee to help co-ordinate rescue efforts, authorities confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that 73 people have died so far.
Reports have suggested that a baby is among four people who have died in the town of Torrent, just outside Valencia. The Independent has so far been unable to verify the information.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said dozens of towns had been flooded.
“For those who are looking for their loved ones, all of Spain feels your pain,” Mr Sanchez said in a televised address. “Our priority is to help you. We are putting all the resources necessary so that we can recover from this tragedy.”
Adding: “We mustn’t let our guard down because the weather front is still wreaking havoc and we can’t say that this devastating episode is over.”
Two women dead and five missing in Castilla-La Mancha
Emergency services in Castilla-La Mancha have confirmed the deaths of two women, an 88-year-old in the municipality of Mira, Cuenca, and another in Letur, Albacete, as a result the intense rainfall.
Five individuals are currently reported missing, and significant material damage has been reported in Letur, according to Spanish media,
Around a dozen other municipalities are affected by the severe weather.
Esther Padilla, spokesperson for the Castilla-La Mancha government, announced in a press conference that a request for a disaster zone declaration will be made and “the priority now is people’s safety.”
There are currently 154 personnel on the ground in Letur.
Milagros Tolón, the government delegate for the region, has traveled to Letur, where authorities are actively working to locate the missing individuals.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed that additional Army units, along with search dogs and drones, will be dispatched in the coming hours.
The Castilla-La Mancha Ministry of Education has announced the suspension of 17 school routes, affecting 235 students in the provinces of Guadalajara, Albacete, and Cuenca.
In pictures: Deadly Spain floods
Authorities made changes to Valencia’s river after ‘Great Flood’ in 1957 - but still region experiences flooding
The flash flooding is the worst flood-related catastrophe in Spain since 1996, when 87 people died and 180 were injured in a flash flood near Biesca in the Pyrenees.
But what about in Valencia?
The region was last severely hit by a flooding disaster in 1957 when heavy rain resulted in the deaths of at least 81 people.
Keen to avoid a repeat of “The Great Flood”, Spanish authorities diverted the city main river, the Turia, with the riverbed turned dry and a park built within it.
However, the city has continued to be impacted by flooding, including in 2019 and 2020.
Local media suggest that the real estate boom in the region, which has led to changes along the coastline, has further put the area at risk of flooding. The region also experiences unusually intense episodes of torrential rain.
Death toll rises to 62
At least 62 people have died in flash floods affecting eastern Spain, the regional government of Valencia has just said in an updated statement on Wednesday.
It is now the worst flood-related disaster in Spain since 1996, when 87 people died near in a town in the Pyrenees mountains.
Baby among four discovered dead in Torrent - reports
We’re hearing reports that a baby is among the 62 people who have been confirmed dead by authorities following the flash flooding.
Torrential rain turned streets into rivers and left many trapped in their homes as the water levels rose last night. This morning’s pictures of cars swept up on the roadside and electricity lines down show the devastation caused.
On the outskirts of the city of Valencia, the towns of Torrent, Paiporta and Chiva appear to have been among the worst hit, as Spanish soldiers respond to help rescue efforts.
In Paiporta, it’s been reporting this morning that there were four bodies discovered, including two men, a woman and baby. In Torrent, five were people were found dead.
Video shared of ‘tornadoes’ during rain storms in Valencia
Videos have been shared on social media showing some of the conditions in Valencia last night, as the region was hit by torrential rain that led to flash flooding.
This video appears to show motorists sheltering at a petrol stations as debris is swirls around outside.
The author of the post on X, formerly Twitter, writes: “Another video of one of the tornadoes that have affected the Valencia area.”
Help could come from European Union - Spanish PM
More now from Pedro Sanchez, the Spanish prime minister, who has addressed those living in the towns and cities left devastated by the flooding.
He says the country could turn to the European Union for support on what will ultimately be a huge recovery project.
He says: “Behind all of this damage there are decades of efforts and projects that have been put into uncertainty, but please know that we will help you with all of the state resourses and, if necessary the European Union, so that could can move forwrad, so that you can rebuild your homes and lives as quickly as possible.”
The German government has already offered its help.
“We are in direct contact with the Spanish government as to whether there should be support from Germany for this terrible disaster,” a spokesperson in Berlin said.
‘We are united and we will rebuild your streets’ - Spanish PM
Pedro Sanchez, the Spanish prime minister, is continuing to hold a news briefing on the flash floods.
He says: “Our thoughts go out to those whose homes and possessions have been devastated and whose lives have been covered in mud.
“We are united and we will rebuild your streets and your squares and bridges.”
‘Spain weeps with you’ - Spanish prime minister addresses those looking for missing loved ones
Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez is now speaking on the flash flooding in his country.
He starts by explaining that dozens of villages and towns have been flooded, while many bridges have been destroyed and roads cut off.
He says: “I would like to, on behalf of the government and the whole of Spanish society, convey all of our solidatory and condolences to the families of those who have died in this tragedy in the region of Valencia and Castilla La Mancha.
“To those who are still looking for lost ones, Spain weeps with all of you - our absolute priority is to help you.”
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