The death toll from devastating floods in Spain has risen to 158 as rescue teams work tirelessly to find survivors amidst one of the country’s worst natural disasters in decades. The body coordinating rescue efforts in the Valencia region confirmed on Thursday that at least 155 bodies have been recovered there, while three additional deaths were reported in Castilla-La Mancha and Andalusia.
Over 1,200 rescue workers, supported by drones, have been deployed across flood-ravaged areas, with the Valencia region hit particularly hard after a river burst its banks in Paiporta, claiming at least 40 lives. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez urged residents to remain indoors, stating, “Please, stay at home… follow the calls of the emergency services.” He emphasized, “Right now, the most important thing is to save as many lives as possible.”
The powerful Mediterranean storm, which began Tuesday, unleashed torrential rains and mudflows that swept away homes and infrastructure. In response, Spain has declared three days of national mourning, and flags are flying at half-mast on government buildings nationwide. King Felipe VI also expressed concern, warning that the “emergency is still not over,” and the national weather service AEMET issued high alerts for continued rain across eastern and southern Spain.
With many individuals still unaccounted for and some regions inaccessible, officials have acknowledged that the death toll may continue to rise as rescue operations proceed.
