Spain floods latest: British man among 95 dead in Valencia flooding as dozens still missing
The death toll continues to rise after the worst flash floods in three decades swept the eastern Spanish region of Valencia
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.At least 95 people, including a 71-year-old British man, have died in southern and eastern Spain following the deadliest flash flooding in the country for three decades.
Authorities fear the death will rise as other regions of Spain were yet to report victims and search efforts continued in hard-to-reach places to find dozens of missing people.
“The fact that we can’t give a number of the missing persons indicates the magnitude of the tragedy,” said minister of territory policies Angel Victor Torres.
A British man died in hospital hours after being rescued from his home on the outskirts of Alhaurín de la Torre, Málaga, according to the president of the Andalusian government, Juanma Morena.
He said the man had been suffering from hypothermia and died after suffering several cardiac arrests.
As torrential rain – amounting to a year’s worth in just eight hours in some areas – inundated cities such as Valencia and Malaga, many found themselves "trapped like rats" in their homes and cars, surrounded by rapidly rising floodwaters.
Police and rescuers used helicopters to lift people from their homes and cars as mud-coloured water quickly filled streets in dozens of villages, towns and cities.
Watch: Moment bridge falls apart due to strong floods in
The intense rainfall caused by the recent dana storm in Spain has triggered a series of incidents that have kept residents on high alert since Tuesday.
Among the most striking scenes is the collapse of a bridge in a key area of Valencia.
The force of the water swept away the structure in the area of Picanya.
Pictured: Barcelona under high alert for flooding and heavy rains
High-speed trains between Madrid and Valencia cancelled for the next 4 days
Spain’s transport minister Óscar Puente has announced the high-speed rail services (AVE) between Madrid and Valencia will be cancelled for at least the next four days.
In a message on X, he said: “The damage to the high-speed rail service between Madrid and Valencia is significant.
“Resuming service within the next four days does not seem possible.
“Once we have a definitive assessment of the time needed to restore the line, we will make it public.”
Heavy rain floods streets and areas of Jerez
The dana weather system affecting much of Spain has caused flooding in various parts of the city of Jerez this afternoon.
Streets in the city centre, such as Provera, Larga, and Honda, have been inundated,
The floods have displaced containers and impacted vehicles on streets and under bridges that have been submerged.
‘The entire nation mourns with you’ - PM
Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sanchez earlier delivered a speech following the deadly aftermath of the dana flooding.
He urged people across the country to be cautious and reassured those in affected areas by saying: “We won’t abandon you.”
In his televised address, Sanchez also committed to rebuilding the damaged infrastructure, adding: “For those still searching for their loved ones, the whole of Spain weeps with you.”
Flood leaves a trail of carnage along roads in Valencia
The severely damaged cars and the positions they’ve been discovered in this morning reflect the power of the flooding in Valencia yesterday.
As residents start to clean up the damage, these images show the task they have ahead.
Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez has promised those impacted that they will get the full support of the country as they look to rebuild their communities from today.
Portugal ‘expresses its greatest regret’ - PM
Often seen as Spain’s closest ally, Portugal has reacted to the tragic events, with prime minister Luis Montenegro issuing a statement on X, formerly Twitter.
He wrote: The Portuguese government expresses its greatest regret at the high number of victims of the floods recorded in Spain, shows solidarity with all the Spanish people and the government and makes itself available for all necessary help.”
Spanish government declares three days of mourning
It’s just been confirmed by the Spanish government that there will be three days of mourning for the victims of the flash floods.
At least 64 people have died in the extreme weather, which hit the Valencia and Castilla La Mancha regions on Tuesday.
Ángel Víctor Torres, the minister responsible for territorial policy, has just told reporters that the three days of mourning will begin on Thursday.
Elderly couple rescued from neighbour’s home
As the water levels rose, those most at risk were the elderly, with many holding up in homes as they waited for the danger to pass.
We’re seeing images today of some of those people now being rescued, including this couple were were stranded in a neighbour’s home.
Soldiers from Spain’s emergency response have been helping rescue efforts, with some people still trapped inside homes.
Floods in Spain: What we know so far
- At least 95 people have been killed after torrential rain led to flash floods in villages, towns and cities across eastern and southern Spain. Of those, 92 died in the Valencia region, while two were killed in the Castilla La Mancha provence and one died elsewhere.
- More than 1,000 soldiers from Spain’s emergency response unit have been deployed to the most devastated areas to help search for missing people, and to clear up the damage caused by the floods.
- Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez has warned the danger is not over despite rain having subsided in Valencia by late Wednesday morning, with the storm heading north. “For those who are looking for their loved ones, all of Spain feels your pain,” he said in a televised message.
- The project to rebuild towns and cities following the damage will be huge, said Mr Sanchez, who also hinted he could call on the help of European Union states. Germany, Portugal, and the EU have already offered their support.
- Spain’s state weather agency, AEMET, has issued alerts for regions in the south west and north east of the country, with heavy showers forecast.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments