The Valencia region faces its worst flood-related crisis in almost 30 years with rescue teams working round-the-clock to help trapped residents (the intense rainfall on oct-30 caused widespread chaos across eastern Spain)
Heavy downpour brought over 200-mm of rain to towns like Turis and Utiel - leading to massive flooding that left many areas cut-off. Emergency services used various equipment including bull-dozers and dinghies to save people from flood-waters; some locals had to climb trees to avoid being swept away
For those still searching for their loved ones‚ the whole of Spain weeps with you
Regional leader Carlos Mazon explained that reaching certain areas remains “absolutely impossible“ due to flood-waters. The disaster has stopped main transport links:
- Madrid-Barcelona rail service suspended
- Schools and key services closed
- Roads blocked in affected areas
- Military rescue units deployed
The floods impact goes beyond human cost - Valencia produces about 60% of Spains citrus fruits making it crucial for agriculture. Senior meteorologist Ernesto Rodriguez Camino points out that such events happen more often now due to Mediterranean warming
The death toll of 62 makes this disaster the deadliest in Spain since mid-90s when 87 people died in a Pyrenees town. Its also europes worst flood since german floods took 185 lives about 3 years back