- At least 158 confirmed deaths as heavy rains and flash floods devastated parts of the country
- The hardest-hit area was Valencia, which recorded 155 deaths
- The response to the disaster has sparked public criticism over delayed warnings
Spain flood death toll passes 150
Spain is facing its deadliest flooding disaster in decades, with at least 158 confirmed deaths as heavy rains and flash floods devastated parts of the country. The hardest-hit area was Valencia, which recorded 155 deaths, while casualties also occurred in Castilla-La Mancha and Andalusia. Rescuers, including 1,200 workers supported by drones, continue efforts to locate survivors as more rain looms.
The floods, triggered by an extraordinary weather event known as gota fría (cold drop), brought a year’s worth of rainfall to the town of Chiva in just eight hours. Scientists link the intensity of these rains to climate change, noting that rising global temperatures lead to more moisture-laden storms.
The response to the disaster has sparked public criticism over delayed warnings, with some residents receiving alerts too late. Spain has entered a three-day national mourning period as communities begin clearing wreckage, with roads and railways still disrupted. King Felipe VI has warned that the crisis is ongoing, urging vigilance as weather threats persist.