Spain hit hard by a deadliest flood.
(The Post News)- A disastrous flood has struck southern and eastern Spain, claiming at least 95 lives as flash floods tore through villages, sweeping away vehicles and transforming streets into raging rivers.
Heavy rainfall triggered severe flooding on Tuesday from Malaga to Valencia, pouring dirty waters crashing through the streets and sweeping cars and debris along with them. The damage was catastrophic, with many comparing it to the floods of 2021 in Germany and Belgium that killed over 230 people.
As rescue efforts are currently ongoing, the police and rescue crews are working effortlessly using helicopters to airlift those who are stranded and rubber dinghies to reach drivers who are trapped at the top of their vehicles. Spain has deployed over 1,000 soldiers from emergency response, with extra rescue services en route from other regions.
Carlos Mazón Valencia’s regional president, he described the situation as “very difficult hours” for relatives of the victims, adding that it was still too early to provide a comprehensive death toll. To coordinate the response, the central government has established a crisis committee.
Ricardo Gabaldón, the mayor of Utiel in Valencia, described his harrowing experience of the flood to be the worst day of his life, adding that they were trapped like rats as cars and bins floated down the streets while the water rose up to three meters.
Pedro Sánchez, Spain prime minister, called for unity, solidarity and vigilance, stating that for those still searching for their loved ones, all of Spain shares their pain. He went on saying that his priority is to assist those in need, and they are mobilizing every resource to recover from the tragedy.
According to scientists, the rise in extreme weather events in Spain is Linked to climate change, which has caused severe droughts and record-high temperatures. The damages from the flash floods serves as a stark reminder of the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events, highlighting the need for immediate action in addressing climate change.
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