Flash floods have killed at least 158 people across eastern Spain, according to the Spanish authorities, after a deluge of rain — in some places, se

What to Know About Spain’s Devastating Floods

submited by

Style Pass

2024-10-31 22:00:08

Flash floods have killed at least 158 people across eastern Spain, according to the Spanish authorities, after a deluge of rain — in some places, several months’ worth — fell in less than a day.

As rescuers dug through the mud to search for survivors, the death toll was expected to rise as some people were still missing, and more rain was forecast.

The ferocity of the flooding submerged entire villages, turned roads into powerful rivers of mud and downed power in many areas. Videos shared online by residents and emergency services showed cars piling up as they were swept away by rushing water. Helicopter crews lifted some people trapped in neck-high waters to safety and traveled to boat to reach others who were stranded.

The floods were worst in eastern and southern Spain, including in areas that often see autumn rains. Still, residents said they were shocked by the amount of rainfall this week.

The vast majority of the deaths were in Valencia, a coastal region that includes the city of the same name. The city of Valencia, a popular tourist destination, reported considerable damage, with flooding on major roads and in the subway system.