At least 51 people have died in the eastern Spanish region of Valencia as devastating flash floods swept through towns and villages following torrential rains on Tuesday, local authorities confirmed on Wednesday. The severe weather has led to widespread destruction, with homes, streets, and infrastructure submerged in water, and emergency crews struggling to reach isolated areas.
Valencia’s regional leader, Carlos Mazon, addressed the unfolding crisis at a press conference, explaining that certain areas remained inaccessible. “If emergency services have not arrived, it’s not due to a lack of means or predisposition, but a problem of access,” he stated, emphasizing that attempts to reach isolated locations had been “absolutely impossible” due to blocked roads and overwhelming water levels.
Videos circulating on social media overnight showed harrowing scenes of people trapped by surging waters, with some climbing trees to avoid being swept away. The regional emergency services have urged citizens to stay off the roads and to monitor updates from official sources as authorities work to assess the damage and coordinate rescue operations.
The heavy downpour led to the cancellation of train services connecting Valencia to Madrid and Barcelona, as well as the closure of schools and other essential services in the hardest-hit areas. The town of Alzira, located about 40 kilometers south of Valencia city, saw streets inundated, leaving cars stranded in knee-deep water as firefighters worked tirelessly to rescue trapped drivers. The Spanish military’s specialized emergency response unit, the UME, was deployed to assist local responders in high-risk zones.
Spain’s meteorological agency, AEMET, declared a red alert for the region, marking Valencia as one of the areas most severely impacted by extreme rainfall in recent years. In parts of Valencia, including Turis and Utiel, over 200 mm (7.9 inches) of rain were recorded, a level of rainfall rarely seen in such a short period. The devastation marks one of the deadliest flood-related incidents in Europe since 2021, when flash floods in Germany claimed nearly 200 lives.
Experts warn that extreme weather events, like the torrential downpour in Valencia, are becoming more frequent and intense, a shift largely attributed to climate change. Meteorologists have noted that rising temperatures in the Mediterranean contribute to higher water evaporation rates, which in turn increase the likelihood and severity of torrential rains.
As emergency responders continue rescue and relief efforts, officials have stressed the importance of following safety protocols and staying informed through official channels to prevent further casualties.
