At least 72 people are dead as Spain continues to experience flash floods in various regions around the country as towns attempt to prevent additional loss of life and damage.
At least 72 people are dead as Spain continues to experience flash floods from a continuous downpour. The city of Valencia has suffered an untold amount of destruction as several homes, vehicles and even a bridge have been swept away by the rushing water. Authorities urged those who are located in the most affected regions to remain indoors.
Prior to the floods, Valencia was one of Spain’s most desired tourist destinations. According to a travel site, the town boasts four miles worth of beaches as well as several “diverse places that give Valencian nights their deserved reputation.”
Valencia’s regional authorities have stated to Sky News many of the deceased are children. It was also reported that two people had died in the Castilla La Mancha region. According to the central government office, the victims were an 88-year-old woman and another unidentified person.
In the country’s Letur region, it was reported that 30 people were swept away and trapped by the raging waters after the river that ran through the town started overflowing. Dozens of people posted videos of the phenomenon on social media. In order to rescue stranded civilians, authorities were forced to use helicopters to airlift people from their homes.
“We are united and we will rebuild your streets and your squares and bridges,” Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said in a press conference. He also added, “Spain will be with you.” According to Sanchez, the government is prepared to work “hand in hand” with local authorities as well as the various town mayors around the clock “as long as the emergency goes on.”
Sanchez continued that the “devastating event” is likely far from over as meteorologists have predicted that the storms are likely to continue into Thursday. It was also reported that 1,000 soldiers from Spain’s emergency response units have been dispatched to affected towns to help with recovery efforts as well as deliver emergency supplies.
One mayor called the experience one of the “worst days of his life.” Speaking with RTVE, Ricardo Gabaldon, said “Yesterday was the worst day of my life.” He added “We were trapped like rats. Cars and trash containers were flowing down the streets. The water was rising to three meters.”
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