Thousands of soldiers deployed as rescue and search operations are under way in the wake of the country’s deadliest disaster in living memory.
Eastern Spain is reeling from one of the deadliest disasters in its history, as flash floods triggered by torrential rain have claimed at least 214 lives. The floods, concentrated in the provinces of Valencia, Castilla La Mancha, and Andalusia, have sparked widespread frustration at the government’s response, despite Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez deploying 10,000 soldiers and police officers to aid in rescue and recovery efforts.
Scenes of devastation include towns buried in mud and submerged cars, with many residents left trapped or swept away as walls of water overflowed riverbanks. In hard-hit areas like Paiporta, where over 60 people died, citizens vented their anger by hurling mud at Spain’s king, queen, and prime minister during their visit, demanding answers for the tragedy.
The floods are attributed to an extreme weather event known as DANA, a cut-off low-pressure system that stalled over the region, exacerbated by the Mediterranean’s record-high sea temperatures, which intensified rainfall. Experts link the disaster to climate change, noting that warmer air and altered jet streams contribute to more severe flooding patterns.
The crisis comes after years of droughts, highlighting the increasing volatility of Spain’s climate. This event has surpassed previous disasters, including the deadly 1957 floods and the 1996 campsite tragedy in Biescas. With hopes of finding survivors dwindling, Spain’s largest-ever peacetime military deployment continues, as volunteers and officials work tirelessly to clear debris and bring aid to devastated communities.
The flood was one of the deadliest weather events in modern Spanish history. Climate scientists say they see a clear connection between the flash flood and human-caused global warming, adding that climate change made this week’s rainfall heavier and twice as likely.
Across Valencia, areas exceeded 11 inches of rain. One area that was particularly hard hit was the town of Chiva near Valencia, which accumulated nearly 20 inches in the span of 8 hours — the equivalent to what it usually receives in an entire year, according to Spain’s meteorological agency.
