- Spain suffers a storm and the loss of many people
- Scientists warn that climate change will increase the number of extreme weather events, such as heat waves and storms
Spain suffers a storm and the loss of many people
Floods caused by heavy rains in southern and eastern Spain have killed people, according to authorities. "We can confirm that several bodies have already been found," said Carlos Mazón, Prime Minister of the Valencia region, overnight on Wednesday. He added that he could not give further details until the families of the dead had been informed. Authorities had previously reported that seven people were considered missing.
Rescuers with drones were searching for six missing people in the Letur area of the province of Albasete, Milagros Tolón, a spokeswoman for the central government in the region of Castilla y La Mancha, told the radio station TVE on Tuesday. Television showed images of water masses flooding the area and cars being swept through the streets.
In Alcudia, in the eastern region of Valencia, police searched for a lorry driver who has been missing since Tuesday afternoon.
"I am following with concern the reports of missing persons and the damage caused by the storm in recent hours," Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said on the X network, urging people to heed the authorities' instructions. "Be very careful and avoid unnecessary travel," he wrote.
Scientists warn that climate change will increase the number of extreme weather events, such as heat waves and storms
According to the media, a storm warning is already in force in 10 of the country's 17 autonomous regions. Due to heavy rain and winds, 12 planes due to land at Valencia airport have been diverted to other cities, the Spanish airport operator Aena said. Some flights were canceled.
The Valencian authorities said school classes and all sporting events were canceled on Wednesday. Parks were also closed. The national railway operator Adif announced that it had suspended train services in the Valencia region. This will remain in place until the situation returns to normal. In addition, high-speed trains between Madrid and Valencia will not run until at least 10 a.m. on Wednesday.
In Alora, in the southern region of Andalusia, rescuers rushed to the aid of many people after a river burst its banks. According to the regional government, a high-speed train with 276 passengers derailed—fortunately, there were no injuries.
Based on ELTA reports
