The death toll from severe flash floods in Spain has reached at least 51 in Valencia alone, according to regional government officials.
This tragic figure comes amid ongoing searches for dozens of individuals still unaccounted for, and the number of fatalities is expected to rise as recovery efforts continue.
Multiple bodies were recovered overnight as rescuers searched for survivors.
In Chiva, a town in Valencia, an astonishing amount of rain fell—equivalent to a year’s worth—within just eight hours, totaling 491mm according to the Spanish Weather Service.
Carlos Mazon, the region’s president, reported, “There are lifeless bodies in some areas that have begun to be accessed, and more bodies continue to emerge.”
The muddy waters wreaked havoc, flowing from the southern province of Malaga to the eastern region of Valencia.
Footage captured the moment rows of vehicles were swept away as water levels rose several feet within minutes, flooding the lower levels of homes.
Videos from Valencia airport depicted the tarmac and runways completely submerged, with hundreds of passengers stranded and many sleeping on the floor as they awaited updates.
A high-speed train carrying nearly 300 passengers derailed near Malaga, although rail authorities confirmed that no injuries occurred.
Service between Valencia city and Madrid was interrupted, along with several commuter lines.
Among the missing is a truck driver in L’Alcudia, Valencia, and six individuals are unaccounted for in the neighboring region of Castilla La Mancha.
These eastern provinces were among those hardest hit by the unexpected rainfall, which followed a prolonged period of severe drought.
Spain’s weather office issued a rare red alert for severe weather, its highest warning level for extreme danger, in light of the situation.
Amber warnings for rain and storms were also issued for the Valencia region, with storms expected to persist until Thursday.
Videos showed hailstones the size of golf balls damaging vehicles and shattering windows.
Emergency services received hundreds of calls, prompting the military to assist in managing the unfolding crisis.
In one rescue, a family trapped in a car with three children on a dirt road was helped to safety.
El Ejido in Almeria was among the areas hardest affected, with many basements and garages flooded, as well as the ground floors of homes.
Helicopters were deployed to rescue residents trapped in their homes as water levels continued to rise.
The floods are anticipated to result in millions of euros in damages, with the Valencian Farmers Association warning that “up to 100% of the harvest” could be lost due to damaged trees, soil, and agricultural infrastructure.
