In a devastating turn of events, torrential rains have unleashed catastrophic flash floods across eastern Spain, claiming lives and wreaking havoc. The eastern region of Valencia has been hit hardest, with emergency services recovering several bodies as they navigate the chaos. Carlos Mazon, the head of the regional government, confirmed the grim discovery early Wednesday, stating, “We can confirm that some bodies have already been found,” though he withheld the exact number pending notification of relatives.
The relentless downpour, which saw over a month’s worth of rain fall in just one day, has left streets submerged in muddy water, disrupting both rail and air travel. “We are facing an unprecedented situation,” Mazon declared, as at least seven individuals remain unaccounted for, including a truck driver in Valencia and six others in Letur, Albacete. In response to the crisis, the government has mobilized the UME, a specialized military rescue unit, to assist local emergency services.
Travel Chaos and Safety Measures
As the storm continues to batter the region, all school classes and sports events have been suspended, with parks closed for safety. Valencia airport has seen significant disruption, with at least 10 flights canceled and others diverted to different cities. Meanwhile, national rail operator ADIF has halted all train services in Valencia until conditions improve. A high-speed train carrying 276 passengers derailed in Andalusia, but fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The state weather agency AEMET has issued a red alert for Valencia and a secondary alert for parts of Andalusia, as flooding has rendered several roads impassable. Emergency services have resorted to using helicopters to rescue stranded individuals in Alora, where a river overflowed. Meteorologists attribute the storm to cold air colliding with the warm Mediterranean waters, creating intense rain clouds, with forecasts indicating that the deluge will persist at least until Thursday. Scientists warn that such extreme weather events are intensifying due to climate change, raising concerns for the future.
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