Spain

At least 62 people have died after flash floods hit southeastern Spain, sweeping away cars and vehicles, and turning village streets into rivers, the regional government of Valencia confirmed on Wednesday (Oct 30). 

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This marks the worst natural disaster to hit the European nation as far as people can remember. 

51 people were confirmed dead in the eastern region of Valencia. Moreover, the central government office for Castilla La Mancha region said that an 88-year-old woman was found dead in the city of Cuenca.

Three days of mourning

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Spain will observe three days of mourning from Thursday (Oct 31) as the floods killed over 60 people in the eastern Valencia region, a government minister said.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez spoke with King Felipe VI on Wednesday and informed him of the official days of mourning. 

As the rescue operation continues, people were advised to stay off the roads amid warnings that the number of fatalities could rise.

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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.”

Watch | Flash Floods In Spain; National Weather Agency Issues Red Alert For Valencia Region

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Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Valencia's regional president Carlos Mazón said it is too early to provide a comprehensive death toll. 

“These are very difficult hours for relatives and for the disappeared,” said Mazon. “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.”

People were seen sharing images and videos on social media X, showing the devastating situation in Spain. 

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One of the X user shared a video a street completed waterlogged with flood water, and damaged cars, stressing that the people are still without electricity in the town. 

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Ricardo Gabaldon, the mayor of Utiel, a town in Valencia, told national broadcaster RTVE, "Yesterday was the worst day of my life." 

"We were trapped like rats. Cars and trash containers were flowing down the streets. The water was rising to three metres," he said.

Over 1000 soldiers were deployed from Spain's emergency response units to the affected areas. 

(With inputs from agencies)