In a dramatic turn of events, eastern Spain is reeling from relentless storms that have wreaked havoc, particularly in Valencia, where the death toll has tragically soared to at least 217. As the same storm system hovers ominously over Barcelona, authorities are on high alert, issuing warnings of “extreme and continued rainfall.” The situation has escalated to the point where commuter rail services in northeastern Catalonia have been suspended, leaving millions in a state of uncertainty.
Transport Minister Oscar Puente confirmed the suspension of all commuter trains at the request of civil protection officials. The torrential rains have also forced air traffic controllers to reroute 15 flights at Barcelona’s airport, while several highways have been closed due to flooding. In Tarragona, classes were abruptly canceled as a red alert for rains was issued, further underscoring the severity of the situation.
Search and Rescue Efforts Intensify
Meanwhile, the grim search for victims continues in Valencia, where authorities are scouring wrecked homes and streets littered with thousands of abandoned vehicles. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska revealed that a reliable count of the missing remains elusive, as desperate families plead for information about their loved ones. In Aldaia, approximately 50 soldiers, police, and firefighters, some clad in wetsuits, are combing through an underground parking lot of a shopping center, hoping to find survivors.
Al Jazeera’s Sonia Gallego reported that some areas in Valencia experienced an astonishing 20 months‘ worth of rainfall in just eight hours, leaving residents to tackle the aftermath themselves. The army has deployed around 5,000 soldiers to assist with cleanup efforts and provide essential supplies, with an additional 2,500 set to join. Amidst the chaos, locals have expressed their frustration over delayed alerts and emergency responses, leading to protests where some residents hurled mud and insults at government officials, demanding accountability for the disaster.
