Rescue teams have recovered eight bodies from a flooded garage in Valencia, bringing the death toll from catastrophic floods in Spain’s eastern region to at least 155. Valencia’s Mayor Maria Jose Catala confirmed that one of the victims was a local police officer, and additional casualties include a 45-year-old woman who was found in her nearby home in La Torre. Defense Minister Margarita Robles warned that the national death toll could increase as the search for missing persons continues.
Meteorologists report that Valencia was inundated with a year’s worth of rain in just eight hours on Tuesday, triggering severe flash floods that damaged the region’s infrastructure and cut off roads. Bridges, railway tracks, and large sections of farmland were submerged. In La Torre, supermarket manager Laura Villaescusa expressed frustration, suggesting that timely warnings could have saved lives.
As thousands of residents attempt to secure essential supplies, Transport Minister Oscar Puente reported extensive road damage in the region, with about 50 miles of impassable roads and abandoned vehicles – some with deceased victims still inside. The high-speed rail link between Valencia and Madrid could take weeks to repair, he added. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez urged residents to remain indoors, stressing the priority to save lives as further storm activity is expected.
In the nearby town of Godelleta, resident Antonio Molina recounted surviving the flood by clinging to a pillar with water reaching up to his neck, while his wife and son sought refuge on the upper floor. Molina’s home, which had been flooded twice in recent years, has made him wary, and he expressed frustration over continued residential construction in flood-prone areas.
Utiel, a rural town roughly 85 km inland, also experienced tragedy as the Magro river overflowed, sending floodwaters as high as three meters into homes. Utiel’s mayor, Ricardo Gabaldon, confirmed at least six fatalities among the elderly and disabled residents who were unable to escape.
Residents, assisted by tractors equipped with water pumps, began cleanup efforts on Thursday, with streets covered in mud and debris. Pope Francis shared his condolences, stating his solidarity with the affected families. Hydrologist Hannah Cloke emphasized the need for heightened awareness of extreme weather risks, linking the floods to climate change and noting the potential for increased occurrences of such events.