Flash floods devastate Spain, resulting in at least 95 deaths, disrupting transportation, and destroying homes. The rainstorms that hit southern and eastern Spain caused flooding from Malaga to Valencia, turning village streets into rivers. Emergency services used helicopters and rubber boats to rescue stranded residents, while soldiers were deployed to assist in the rescue efforts.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared three days of mourning, expressing solidarity with those who lost loved ones. The floods have caused widespread destruction, with one resident describing the water rising three meters in Utiel. The region of Valencia, known for its beaches and citrus orchards, suffered significant loss, with some towns reporting over 30 deaths.
The floods have also impacted transportation, with high-speed train service disrupted and flights canceled, leaving passengers stranded at airports. The storms, linked to climate change, unleashed a rare tornado and hailstorm, further increasing the challenges faced by rescue teams.
The death toll is expected to rise as search efforts continue in hard-to-reach areas, and the government has established a crisis committee to coordinate rescue operations. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has pledged EU support for coordinating rescue teams using satellite monitoring.
Residents are using social media and other platforms to search for missing loved ones, highlighting the human toll of the disaster. The floods have brought Spain to a standstill, with communities devastated by the unprecedented natural disaster.
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