Emergency crews in Spain have retrieved several bodies after severe flash floods caused by torrential rains hit southern and eastern regions, leading to road closures and halted high-speed train services.
On Tuesday, muddy floodwaters surged through Letur in Albacete, tossing vehicles across streets, as shown on Spanish television.
Carlos Mazon, Valencia’s regional leader, confirmed that bodies were found in flood-stricken areas but withheld further details out of respect for families.
Drones are aiding emergency workers in searching for six missing individuals, according to a central government representative in Castilla-La Mancha on TVE.
Police in L’Alcúdia, Valencia, are also seeking a missing truck driver.
“I am closely monitoring reports on missing persons and the destruction caused by the storm,” wrote Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on X, urging caution and adherence to official guidance.
Heavy rainfall and strong winds forced the diversion of 12 flights originally scheduled to land at Valencia airport, as announced by Spanish airport operator Aena. Additionally, 10 more flights were canceled.
The national rail operator, ADIF, has suspended high-speed rail services between Madrid and Valencia, citing storm damage to key points on the Valencia network.
A high-speed train carrying 276 passengers derailed in Andalusia, but no injuries were reported, per a statement from the regional government.
Rescue teams in Andalusia’s Álora saved numerous people, some by helicopter, after a river overflowed.
Weather agency AEMET issued a red alert for Valencia and the second-highest alert in parts of Andalusia. Multiple roads remain closed in these regions due to flooding.
This extreme rainfall event, attributed to the “gota fría” (cold drop) phenomenon, occurs when cold air meets the Mediterranean’s warm waters, leading to rapid cloud formation and heavy downpours.
Scientists caution that climate change is likely increasing the intensity of extreme weather events, including storms and heatwaves.
