Torrential Flooding in Eastern Spain Claims 95 Lives, Major Disruptions Follow

Madrid: At least 95 dead in eastern Spain as heavy flooding hits Valencia and surrounding areas. Angel Victor Torres, Minister for Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory, reports.

More than 60 roads closed, several major roads along the eastern coast and the ones connecting Madrid to Valencia. Trains affected, high speed train between Valencia and Madrid suspended.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez will visit the affected areas on Thursday after an emergency cabinet meeting on Wednesday morning. In his statement, Sanchez promised his government will be with the families affected and with the communities hit by this natural disaster.

Around 1,000 UME personnel have been deployed to support the rescue and recovery efforts. But operations are being complicated by power outages and downed telecommunications.

Meteorologists say the extreme weather is due to the “DANA” (Isolated High-Altitude Depression) phenomenon. This weather event occurs when cold air crosses over the warm Mediterranean waters and can produce sudden and intense storms. In 1966 and 1957, similar events caused catastrophic flooding in Valencia, the Turia River overflowing and the region was severely damaged.