Rescue crews searched for bodies in submerged cars and damaged buildings in Spain on Thursday, as residents attempted to salvage belongings after devastating flash floods that have claimed at least 140 lives.
This disaster, the worst in Spain this century, left a path of destruction and raised concerns about more casualties hidden beneath the mud left by the torrential waters that surged late Tuesday and early Wednesday.
Authorities reported that an unknown number of people remain missing. Spain’s Transport Minister Óscar Puente confirmed that there were fatalities in some vehicles.
The scale of the destruction resembled that of a hurricane or tsunami, with cars stacked like dominoes, uprooted trees, downed power lines, and household items buried in mud across communities in Valencia, where at least 92 people died.
The floods transformed narrow streets into deadly torrents, sweeping away vehicles and people while destroying bridges and making roads unrecognizable.
LuÃs Sánchez, a local welder, described rescuing several individuals from the chaos on the V-31 highway, which had turned into a floating graveyard filled with vehicles. He recounted seeing bodies in the water and trying to help others trapped by the floods.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez emphasized that the main focus is to locate victims and support their families, as he met with local officials and emergency services in Valencia on Thursday, marking the start of three official days of mourning.
While Spain’s Mediterranean coast typically faces autumn storms that cause flooding, this event was unprecedented. Scientists attribute its severity to climate change, which has also led to rising temperatures and droughts in Spain.
The most significant impact was felt in Paiporta, near Valencia, where Mayor Maribel Albalat reported 62 fatalities. She noted the town rarely experiences flooding and highlighted the dangers faced by residents trying to retrieve their vehicles.
The storms also affected areas across the southern and eastern coasts of the Iberian Peninsula, with additional fatalities reported in Castilla La Mancha and Andalusia. The regional president of Castilla La Mancha mentioned that a Guardia Civil officer was among the missing in Letur.
In Malaga, homes lost access to water, and a high-speed train derailed without injuries among the 300 passengers. Greenhouses and farms in southern Spain, known for their agricultural output, suffered extensive damage. The storms also produced a tornado in Valencia and severe hail in Andalusia.
Heavy rains persisted in northern regions, prompting red alerts for several areas in Valencia and Tarragona. The Prime Minister urged residents to stay indoors and follow safety recommendations.
Over 1,000 soldiers joined local emergency workers in the recovery efforts, recovering 22 bodies and rescuing 110 people by Wednesday night. Some 150,000 people in Valencia were without electricity, with many relying on bottled water as running water was disrupted.
Several areas remained isolated due to blocked roads and disrupted train services, including routes to Madrid, which officials predict will take two to three weeks to repair. Residents expressed their grief and disbelief at the destruction, with scenes resembling a bomb site.
The chaos also led to incidents of looting, prompting the National Police to make arrests in affected areas. Officials were caught off guard by the severity of the flooding, with the national weather service noting that Chiva experienced more rain in eight hours than in the previous 20 months.
In the aftermath, questions arose regarding the official response, as some residents reported receiving flood warnings only after the disaster had begun.
Local leaders criticized the lack of timely alerts, emphasizing the need for better communication during emergencies.
Valencia’s regional president defended the crisis management efforts, stating that standard protocols were followed.
