At least 51 people feared dead after torrential rain and floods in Spain
At least 51 people are feared to have died after torrential rains hit southern and eastern Spain on Tuesday, bringing flash floods that raged through towns and cut off roads and rail lines.
As the search continued for the missing, people were urged to stay off the roads amid warnings that the number of fatalities could rise.
The Valencian government’s emergency coordination centre said its multiple victims protocol had been activated, adding: “The initial toll logged by different police and emergency services puts the provisional number of victims at 51 people. We are beginning the process of recovering and identifying the victims.”
Speaking on Wednesday morning, Valencia’s regional president said it was still too early to provide a comprehensive death toll.
“These are very difficult hours for relatives and for the disappeared,” said Carlos Mazón. “We will confirm the number of victims over the coming hours but right now it’s impossible to offer a precise figure. We’re in shock.”
