Flood Death Toll Rises to 158 in Spain Amid Ongoing Rescue Efforts
The death toll from catastrophic floods in Spain has tragically risen to 158, according to a report from security services. The floods, which primarily affected the Valencia region and surrounding areas, have prompted extensive rescue operations as authorities continue to search for missing persons. The Valencian Community has reported at least 155 fatalities, with additional casualties recorded in Andalusia and Castilla-La Mancha.
As rescue efforts progress, the president of the Valencian region, Carlos Manzón, announced that emergency services had conducted over 200 land rescue operations and 70 air rescues using helicopters. However, the search for survivors has become increasingly challenging, with authorities indicating that they do not expect to find additional survivors trapped on rooftops or in urban centers that have already been inspected.
The floods, described as unprecedented, have caused significant devastation, with the current toll marking the deadliest flooding event in Spain since the tragic floods of October 1973 that claimed 300 lives. The government has declared a three-day national mourning period, starting Thursday, as Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez plans to visit the affected areas. In a televised address, he expressed condolences to the victims' families and emphasized the need for continued vigilance as the situation evolves.
In terms of weather conditions, the region has seen a mix of severe rainfall and strong winds, leading to widespread damage. While the situation in Catalonia was initially concerning, local authorities reported that the intense rains there did not lead to serious incidents, although parts of the territory remain under yellow alert for strong winds. As the search for the missing continues, the overall impact of this natural disaster is expected to be felt for some time.
