Spain declares Three-Day mourning after devastating floods claim 95 lives
In Spain, a three-day mourning period has been declared following unprecedented and sudden heavy rainfall that resulted in flooding, which occurred yesterday, October 30, 2024, claiming the lives of at least 95 people.
The Minister of Policy in Spain, Ángel Victor Torres, announced that the death toll may rise as many individuals are still missing.
Minister Torres indicated that the city of Valencia has been the hardest hit by the flooding, with approximately 92 of the 95 fatalities reported from that area.
He stated, “This number of flood-related deaths is the highest recorded in Spain since the flooding in October 1973, which killed 300 people. The toll could increase further, as many people remain unaccounted for.”
The flooding caused by the torrential rain has severely damaged infrastructure, including electricity, internet, roads, bridges, and more.
Rescue operations are underway, both on the ground and in the air, using helicopters to check for survivors who may have taken refuge on rooftops and in other locations, particularly in the cities of Valencia, Malaga, and Castile-La-Mancha.
Rescue efforts are ongoing as Spain observes a national day of mourning.
CNN reports that approximately 1,200 people are feared missing in the Valencia region, as many may be trapped in low-rise buildings overwhelmed by collapsing walls, unable to escape to safety. Additionally, some individuals are reportedly stranded in their vehicles on flooded roads, with about 5,000 vehicles swept away by the floodwaters.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced the establishment of a three-day national mourning period to honor those who lost their lives in the flooding. He expressed solidarity with those affected by this disaster and assured that his government will do everything possible to assist them. In this regard, he urged citizens to remain vigilant, as flooding can occur unexpectedly.
Prime Minister Sanchez is scheduled to visit Valencia on Thursday, October 31, 2024, to stand with the residents of the city during this challenging time as they cope with the devastating impact of the floods.
