Flash floods in Spain have resulted in at least 205 confirmed fatalities and widespread destruction across the regions of Valencia, Castilla-La Mancha, and Andalusia. The intense rainfall, which exceeded 400 liters per square meter in many areas and reached 600 liters in some parts, overwhelmed the dry ground, leading to catastrophic flash floods.
Social media videos captured the chaos as torrents up to three meters high swept away vehicles and debris, while bridges collapsed and fields flooded, forcing many to take refuge on rooftops or cars. The death toll, which was initially reported as 12, has sharply risen, with the majority of fatalities occurring in Valencia, along with a few in the other regions. Tragically, 1,900 individuals remain unaccounted for, with many having become trapped in underground garages while trying to save their vehicles.
The floods caused significant power outages, affecting over 130,000 homes, with about 23,000 still without electricity days later. The high-speed rail link between Madrid and Valencia is expected to be out of service for up to three weeks due to tunnel collapses, and extensive damage to local railways and roads has prompted the allocation of 25 million euros for emergency repairs.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez visited the impacted regions, promising substantial recovery aid, while the government has declared three days of mourning and postponed sporting events in Valencia. Nearly 2,000 military personnel and numerous volunteers have been deployed to assist in rescue efforts, although police have arrested around 60 individuals for looting in the aftermath of the disaster.
Relief efforts are underway across Spain, with agencies like the Red Cross establishing funds to support recovery. The international community, including the European Union, has also offered assistance. Meanwhile, Valencia remains on alert for potential further rainfall, with severe weather warnings issued for several nearby areas.