“We can confirm that some bodies have already been found,” Mazón told reporters, refraining from disclosing further details until families had been notified.
In some areas, more than a month's rain fell in a single day. [Gregorio Marrero/AP Photo]The torrential rains, which began on Tuesday, submerged streets under torrents of muddy water, inundating homes and vehicles. In some areas, more rain fell in one day than is typical for an entire month, according to Spanish media. Authorities declared the situation “unprecedented” as the floodwaters continued to rise.Missing Persons and Transport Chaos
At least seven individuals remain missing, including a truck driver in Valencia and six residents from the town of Letur, in the eastern province of Albacete, officials confirmed. Spain's military emergency unit (UME) has been dispatched to Valencia to assist local emergency teams in rescue operations.
The government has deployed the UME, a military unit specialised in rescue operations, to Valencia to help local emergency services. [Gregorio Marrero/AP Photo]Rail services across the region have been suspended indefinitely for safety reasons, according to ADIF, the national rail operator. Meanwhile, Valencia airport saw numerous flight cancellations and diversions, with Spanish airport authority Aena confirming that at least ten flights were affected.A high-speed train carrying 276 passengers derailed in the Andalusian region due to floodwaters but miraculously, no injuries were reported. Emergency responders deployed helicopters in Andalusia’s Alora to rescue residents stranded in flooded homes and vehicles after a river burst its banks.Widespread Disruption and Alerts
All schools and sports activities were suspended in Valencia on Wednesday, with parks and public spaces closed to avoid further risks. Authorities have also restricted road access in both Valencia and parts of Andalusia due to impassable routes.
The state weather agency declared a red alert in the Valencia region and the second-highest alert in parts of Andalusia. [Jorge Guerrero/AFP]Spain floods 2024Spain’s national meteorological agency AEMET issued a red alert for Valencia and placed other areas under the second-highest weather alert, warning that the downpour could continue until Thursday. The storm, meteorologists explained, was caused by cold air moving over the warm waters of the Mediterranean, generating intense rain clouds.Climate Change's Role in Intensifying Storms
Scientists caution that extreme weather events, including heatwaves and storms, are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change. The recent floods add to the growing evidence of how warming temperatures are intensifying weather patterns across Europe.As rescue operations continue, the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, with residents anxiously awaiting the storm's end.
In some areas, more than a month's rain fell in a single day. [Gregorio Marrero/AP Photo]The torrential rains, which began on Tuesday, submerged streets under torrents of muddy water, inundating homes and vehicles. In some areas, more rain fell in one day than is typical for an entire month, according to Spanish media. Authorities declared the situation “unprecedented” as the floodwaters continued to rise.Missing Persons and Transport ChaosAt least seven individuals remain missing, including a truck driver in Valencia and six residents from the town of Letur, in the eastern province of Albacete, officials confirmed. Spain's military emergency unit (UME) has been dispatched to Valencia to assist local emergency teams in rescue operations.
The government has deployed the UME, a military unit specialised in rescue operations, to Valencia to help local emergency services. [Gregorio Marrero/AP Photo]Rail services across the region have been suspended indefinitely for safety reasons, according to ADIF, the national rail operator. Meanwhile, Valencia airport saw numerous flight cancellations and diversions, with Spanish airport authority Aena confirming that at least ten flights were affected.A high-speed train carrying 276 passengers derailed in the Andalusian region due to floodwaters but miraculously, no injuries were reported. Emergency responders deployed helicopters in Andalusia’s Alora to rescue residents stranded in flooded homes and vehicles after a river burst its banks.Widespread Disruption and AlertsAll schools and sports activities were suspended in Valencia on Wednesday, with parks and public spaces closed to avoid further risks. Authorities have also restricted road access in both Valencia and parts of Andalusia due to impassable routes.
The state weather agency declared a red alert in the Valencia region and the second-highest alert in parts of Andalusia. [Jorge Guerrero/AFP]Spain floods 2024Spain’s national meteorological agency AEMET issued a red alert for Valencia and placed other areas under the second-highest weather alert, warning that the downpour could continue until Thursday. The storm, meteorologists explained, was caused by cold air moving over the warm waters of the Mediterranean, generating intense rain clouds.Climate Change's Role in Intensifying StormsScientists caution that extreme weather events, including heatwaves and storms, are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change. The recent floods add to the growing evidence of how warming temperatures are intensifying weather patterns across Europe.As rescue operations continue, the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, with residents anxiously awaiting the storm's end.
