Floods in eastern Spain leave four people dead
Torrential rain and flooding along Spain's eastern coast have killed at least four people, authorities said. The Valencia region was hit hardest, with more than 400 rescues carried out.
Heavy rain and flooding have struck eastern Spain, mainly along the Mediterranean coast, killing at least four people in recent days, authorities said on Monday. Streets were inundated and many residents were told to stay indoors. The Balearic Islands and the Catalonia region were also affected.
Rainfall and rescues
In some parts of the Valencia region, up to 700 litres of rain per square metre fell within 24 hours. Floodwaters swept away parked cars, submerged roads and cut off residents. Some people were airlifted to safety. Government representative Pilar Bernabe said security forces had carried out more than 400 rescues in the Valencia region, by air and by land.
The victims
Valencia regional president Juan Francisco Perez Llorca told reporters on Monday that three people had died in the region, and urged caution while the damage was being assessed. Two of the victims were found in the coastal resort of Oliva, one of the areas worst hit by Sunday night's storms: a 79-year-old woman found in her home, and a man who suffered a fatal heart attack at a campsite. The third was a man who drowned on Sunday while swimming at a beach in Sagunto. In neighbouring Catalonia, firefighters reported that a woman had died after falling into a rain-swollen stream.
Restrictions and government support
About 100 municipalities were ordered to remain indoors for several hours. The regional government said most restrictions were lifted by early afternoon as conditions improved. Spain's military emergency unit is helping with rescue and evacuation work. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on X that the government would give its "full support", along with whatever personnel and resources were needed.
Scientists say human-driven climate change is intensifying the Mediterranean storms that typically hit eastern Spain in autumn. The sea absorbs heat during the summer, which increases evaporation and leads to heavier rainfall. Spain's national weather agency AEMET said on Friday that September was the hottest on record for mainland Spain.
