The death toll from catastrophic floods in Spain has risen to over 200, with officials warning that the numbers could climb higher as rescue efforts continue. Following record-breaking rainfall in the eastern province of Valencia, the country is grappling with the aftermath of one of the worst natural disasters in decades.
Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska stated on Saturday that it is “reasonable to assume” that the number of victims will increase as search and recovery operations proceed. Currently, approximately 1,900 people remain unaccounted for due to the floods triggered by an extreme weather phenomenon known as DANA, which stands for “depresión aislada en niveles altos,” or high-altitude isolated depression.
The torrential rains began on Monday, leading to severe flooding that has collapsed bridges, swept away vehicles, and left towns buried under thick mud. These floods have also caused widespread power outages, impacting an estimated 140,000 residents.
Transport Minister Oscar Puente described the destruction as “unprecedented in the country’s history,” emphasizing that the current situation is far worse than the floods of 1975, which claimed at least 81 lives in Valencia. The minister noted that the transport infrastructure has significantly expanded since the 1950s, resulting in what he termed a “practically destroyed” network.
Among the areas hardest hit was the municipality of Paiporta, located on the outskirts of Valencia, where over 60 fatalities have been confirmed. The extent of the devastation has been starkly illustrated through satellite images released by various media outlets.
Remarkably, a weather station in Turis recorded a staggering 179.2 liters of rain per square meter within a single hour on Wednesday, shattering the previous record from 2018 and equaling the town’s typical annual rainfall.
Concerns regarding potential looting in the affected areas have prompted action, with the Spanish Armed Forces announcing the deployment of an additional 1,000 troops to assist in recovery efforts. Additionally, volunteer efforts are mobilizing as up to 7,000 civilians are expected to join disaster relief operations, according to Miguel Salvador, head of a Valencian volunteer organization. Reports indicate that more than 100,000 people have stepped forward to offer their assistance in the ongoing recovery efforts.
