After Italy and France were hit by severe storms in recent weeks, Spain is now experiencing serious flooding. More than 50 people have already been killed and many people are still missing. The holiday regions of Andalusia, Murcia and Valencia are particularly hard hit.
At least 51 people have died in the Valencia region, Spanish state broadcaster RTVE reported, citing the regional government. “Dead people have been found, but out of respect for the relatives we will not provide any further information,” the region’s head of government, Carlos Mazón, had previously announced. Several people are missing.
Up to 200 milliliters of rain per square meter
Rescue work continued in many places. The situation was particularly bad in the Mediterranean regions of Andalusia, Murcia and Valencia, which are very popular with holidaymakers. In many places, streets, houses and fields were flooded and cars and trees were swept away by the water. In some places, such as Turis and Utiel, rainfall amounts of up to 200 millimeters were recorded.
No relaxation in the air yet
Mazón called on residents to move to higher ground. In some areas, residents were trapped in their homes and made emergency calls on social media, the “El País” newspaper reported. The rain area, which has been widely reported for days, is expected to move northeast this Wednesday.
However, a severe weather warning remains in force for large parts of the country. The weather service Aemet said the situation across Spain would not fully improve until Thursday.
Streets became raging rivers
The weather service Aemet also reported hail and strong gusts of wind. Rivers overflowed their banks, streets, houses and fields were flooded in many places, cars and trees were swept away by the water masses. Streets turned into raging rivers and numerous highways and country roads had to be closed in the south and east of Spain. Air and rail traffic was also affected. Classes were canceled at many schools and universities.
Shortly after starting the journey, a rockslide caused an AVE high-speed train traveling from Málaga to Madrid with 291 passengers on board to hit the tracks near the municipality of Álora. According to the Spanish railway company Renfe, no injuries were reported.
Rescue workers are not coming to the affected areas
Radio and television stations received hundreds of calls for help from citizens trapped in flooded areas or looking for relatives. “If (the emergency services) have not arrived, it is not due to a lack of resources or lack of preparedness, but due to an access problem,” Mazón explained.
It is currently “absolutely impossible” to reach certain areas. Local emergency services have called in the help of the UME, a military unit specialized in rescue operations.
The all-clear is not expected until Thursday
The storm with heavy rain had already hit Mallorca and the other Balearic Islands on Monday. The situation there has since calmed down, although the yellow severe weather warning was still in force for some areas – including Mallorca. According to Aemet, the situation throughout Spain will not fully relax again until Thursday.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
