At least 95 people have been killed in floods in Spain. Emergency services in eastern Valencia confirmed 92 deaths. Two more victims were reported by authorities in the neighbouring Castile-La Mancha region, while authorities in southern Andalusia reported one death.
Maribel Albalat, mayor of Piporta, one of Valencia’s cities, told RTVE television that more than 30 people had died in the floods in the community of about 25,000 people.
The downpours, which began on October 29 and lasted all day yesterday, caused flooding in the south and east of Spain – from Malaga to Valencia. In this region and its vicinity, settlements were cut off from the roads due to flooding. There are power and communication disruptions. In connection with flooding and disruption of railway communication derailed a high-speed train, which was carrying 300 people, no one was injured. Spain’s National Meteorological Service said Valencia had received more rainfall in eight hours than in the previous 20 months, calling the situation “extraordinary.”
About 1.1 thousand military personnel were sent to the affected areas. Regional authorities recommended people to stay at home, so as not to complicate the work of rescuers. The Government of Spain formed an anti-crisis committee to coordinate rescue work and announced in the country of three days of mourning since October 31.
Minister of Territorial Policy Angel Victor Torres declared three days of mourning for the victims from October 31 to November 2.
Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of France Unbowed (LFI), commented on the news on X:
The floods in Spain foreshadow what the total disruption of the water cycle in the Mediterranean as a result of climate change will lead to. As well as all the deviations in the management of territories and our civilisation. In France, we continue to plan and organise everything in advance. Macronism is a shortsighted system on all issues.
Former Catalan President Carles Puigdemont and representatives of the ruling Socialist Party also wrote on X:
Creepy, horrible. The worst predictions about the devastating consequences of DANA are confirmed. In these moments, the absolute priority is people and life. And of course, in the aftermath of the tragedy, it will be necessary to talk about climate change, the management of PP in the Valencian region, the consequences of the tourist model and infrastructures…. And demand responsibility and take action.
