Devastating flash floods in Spain kill at least 72 people: ‘trapped like rats’
Spain is still recovering from a severe drought and continues to see record high temperatures in recent years
Emergency services in the eastern region of Valencia confirmed a death toll of 70 people on Wednesday. The central government office for Castilla La Mancha region added that an 88-year-old woman was found dead in the city of Cuenca.
Rainstorms on Tuesday caused flooding in a wide swathe of southern and eastern Spain, stretching from Malaga to Valencia. Floods of mud-coloured water tumbled vehicles down streets at high speeds, while pieces of wood swirled in the water with household items. Police and rescue services used helicopters to lift people from their homes and rubber boats to reach drivers trapped on the roofs of cars.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said dozens of towns had been flooded and warned that the danger is not over.
“For those who are looking for their loved ones, all of Spain feels your pain,” Sánchez said in a televised address. “Our priority is to help you. We are putting all the resources necessary so that we can recover from this tragedy.”
Authorities reported several missing people late Tuesday, but the following morning brought the shocking announcement of dozens found dead.
