Over 200 Confirmed Dead as Spain Faces Catastrophic Flash Floods

Photo : AP

Rescue operations in Spain have escalated as the death toll from the nation’s worst floods in a generation reached 205, with authorities growing increasingly concerned for the dozens still missing. The catastrophic flooding, which began on Tuesday, has wreaked havoc across eastern regions, tossing vehicles, collapsing bridges, and burying towns under layers of mud, marking this disaster as one of the deadliest in decades.

In the hardest-hit Valencia region, emergency services reported that 202 people have been confirmed dead. The neighboring regions of Castilla-La Mancha and Andalusia have also reported a combined total of three fatalities. As rescue efforts continued, responders employed helicopters, drones, and sniffer dogs to search for individuals believed to be trapped in debris or lost amid the wreckage.

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The Spanish government has dispatched an additional 500 troops to support the 1,200 already on the ground, aiding in search, rescue, and logistical operations. The Civil Guard has reported that over 4,500 individuals have been rescued as of Friday afternoon, although hopes of finding more survivors are diminishing three days after the disaster struck.

In the city of Valencia, the courthouse has been transformed into a morgue, where health workers are seen carrying stretchers draped in white sheets, highlighting the tragic toll of the floods. Many affected areas are still without access to basic necessities such as water, food, and power, as numerous roads and railways remain blocked. Engineers have been working tirelessly to clear abandoned vehicles from inundated roads and railways.

Residents in some towns, particularly in Paiporta near Valencia, have expressed frustration over the slow arrival of aid. Local pharmacist Paco Clemente, who has been helping clear mud from a friend's house, lamented, “There aren't enough firefighters; the shovels haven't arrived.” Despite the chaotic scene, an outpouring of community support has emerged, with thousands of volunteers mobilizing to assist those in need. Some have set out from Valencia, armed with shovels and supplies to help clear mud from homes and deliver essential goods to affected families.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez commended the overwhelming solidarity shown by the Spanish people and vowed that support would be provided “for as long as it takes.” Local officials have urged citizens to remain home to avoid hindering emergency services. Meanwhile, Pope Francis expressed his condolences to the victims and their families, offering his solidarity in this challenging time.

As conditions evolve, the government is also addressing reports of looting, with police arresting 50 individuals for theft from vehicles and stores in affected areas. The regional government has set up emergency food distribution points at sports centers and schools, while local leaders are coordinating efforts to restore order and support the affected populations.

The severe weather that triggered these floods is attributed to a storm formed by the clash of cold air over the warm Mediterranean waters, a phenomenon common for this time of year. However, scientists are raising alarms about the potential impact of climate change, which they say is exacerbating the intensity, duration, and frequency of such extreme weather events. The Spanish government plans to convene a special committee on Saturday, chaired by Sanchez, to further coordinate response efforts in the aftermath of this devastating disaster.

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