by Mick the Ram

Torrential rain has caused devastating flash floods in villages, towns and cities across eastern and southern Spain, with the region of Valencia being the worst hit.

Dozens of people have lost their lives with the latest count putting the number at 95 and an expectation for that figure to rise significantly.

Almost a year’s worth of rain fell in just eight hours in some areas, where floodwaters have trapped many in their homes and leaving them desperately appealing for rescue from the many helicopters being deployed.

These are the most extreme floods in the country for more than three decades prompting the military in the shape of over 1,000 soldiers, to be called upon to search for those individuals – of which there are many – that are still unaccounted for.  

Messages of support have been posted by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, alongside a statement from King Felipe VI; whilst neighbouring Portugal, as well as Germany have both made themselves available to deliver whatever help they can.

Ángel Víctor Torres, the minister responsible for territorial policy, has announced that there will be three days of mourning for the victims, commencing on Thursday 31 October.

Major rescue operation in progress

A crisis committee has been hurriedly set up by central government to co-ordinate the rescue and recovery operation.

Unconfirmed reports are indicating that amongst the early victims are a baby and an elderly woman. The vast majority of those who have died were in Valencia and its surroundings, although it is known that two people have been killed in the Castilla La Mancha province.

PM prioritises the affected areas

PM Pedro Sanchez was quick to offer his sympathy for those searching for loved ones telling them: “All of Spain feels your pain.” He made a televised address in which he assured those affected that the priority was to bring them help.

“We are putting all the resources necessary so that we can recover from this tragedy,” he said, before ominously acknowledging that the weather front continues to wreak havoc.

King speaks of sadness at loss of life

The King spoke of the devastation and about his worries in particular for people in Valencia, Castilla-La Mancha, and Andalusia. In a video posted on X the monarch said he had been in contact with local leaders, as well as Spain’s interior minister and first of all wanted to express his condolences and sadness for the loss of so many lives.

He then talked of the destruction of infrastructure and material goods, whilst accepting that circumstances were presently preventing the full picture to be known.

Offers of support

Portugal’s PM, Luís Montenegro, has said the country remains ready to provide Spain with whatever assistance they require and sent on behalf of his country, his strongest condolences over the high number of flood victims.

Germany followed suit confirming that they were in direct contact with the Spanish government to put themselves forward with whatever support might be deemed necessary.

Misinformation hampering efforts

Meanwhile, local officials across Spain have appealed to the public to heed only official channels, amid concerns about misinformation that sadly have begun circulating on social media.

Carlos Mazón, the leader of the Valencia region, said a consequence of widespread incorrect messaging had seen supermarket shelves quickly emptied of bottled water.

He assured residents that drinking water was still guaranteed in the city of Valencia and more importantly, it continued to meet public health requirements.