Flash floods that washed away cars and turned streets into rivers have killed at least 64 people in Spain, Spanish media reported.
Children are among the dead, as well as several infants, according to the city’s government. Police sources said:
For sure the exact number of dead will not be known for a couple of days, but it could be more than a hundred.
A similar tragedy has been seen in many neighbourhoods in Valencia. Dead bodies are being found in the towns of Piporta, Torrent, Alfar, Chiva, Cheste and Alcudia.
Record rains caused widespread flooding on Tuesday in the southern and eastern parts of the country. Many major roads and railway lines have been destroyed. Near Málaga, a high-speed train with about 300 people on board derailed. Fortunately, no one was injured.
Torrents of muddy water swept through the streets, carrying away vehicles, pieces of trees and household items.
Police and rescue services used helicopters to evacuate people trapped in water in their homes and cars. More than 1,000 troops were deployed to the affected areas. However, media reports said radio and TV stations “have received hundreds of calls for help from people trapped in flooded areas or searching for their loved ones” as emergency services have not yet been able to reach all affected areas.
Earlier media reported that Valencia received 180 millimetres of rainfall in 12 hours, resulting in the region being placed on red alert.
