Terrible news Spain: The death toll from flash flooding in the Valencia region has risen to at least 150. The regional government announced this.
Particularly affected by the devastating rains were the provinces of Valencia, Murcia and Andalusia.
The violent storms quickly turned streets into raging rivers. Cars were swept away, houses were flooded and people had to run for their lives. The rescue workers are constantly on duty to search for missing people and help those affected.
“It is a disaster of biblical proportions,” said one eyewitness. “We have lost everything.” The authorities are also shocked. “The situation is dramatic,” confirmed a spokesman for the Interior Ministry. “We do everything we can to help people.”
In some areas, more rain fell in just a few hours than usual in an entire year. The masses of water caused immense damage to the infrastructure. Roads are impassable, bridges have collapsed and many places are cut off from the outside world.
The government has already announced financial aid for the affected regions. “We will not abandon the people,” promised Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez (52). “Our condolences go out to the families of the victims.”
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More rain in the coming days
The weather services warn of further rainfall in the coming days. The public is urged to be careful and follow the instructions of the authorities. The situation remains tense and the clean-up work will take weeks.
It is not the first time that Spain has been hit by such natural disasters. But the intensity and extent of the current flash floods are unprecedented. Experts blame climate change for the increase in extreme weather events.
The people in the affected areas face an uncertain future. Many have lost their homes and now have to be accommodated in emergency accommodation. There is great solidarity within the community, but the road back to normality will be long and difficult.