Cars swept away as roads turn into rivers in Spain rain fury, several missing
Southern and eastern Spain experienced devastating flash floods on Tuesday, with some areas receiving a record 12 inches of rain in just a few hours.
The torrential downpour has led to widespread destruction, prompting the Spanish government to establish a crisis committee. Footage from Valencia showed mud-colored water flooding streets, sweeping away parked cars and tearing down walls. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that an unspecified number of people are missing, urging citizens to exercise “great caution” and avoid unnecessary travel.
The rainfall estimates in some locations exceeded expectations. For instance, Chiva, east of Valencia, recorded 320 mm (approximately 12.6 inches) in just over four hours, according to the European Severe Weather Database. AEMET, Spain’s Meteorological Agency, had issued red alerts for extreme rain, warning of the potential for 200 mm (about 8 inches) of rain in less than 12 hours.
As the flooding worsened, Carlos Mazon, the leader of the Valencia region, confirmed that several bodies had been discovered in affected areas. “Dead bodies have been found, but out of respect for the families, we are not going to provide any further data,” Mazon said.
The flash floods have severely impacted transportation, leading to the diversion of twelve flights from Valencia airport and the cancellation of ten others. High-speed train services between Madrid and Valencia have also been suspended due to storm damage to rail infrastructure. Emergency services have been inundated with calls for help, and many roads remain inaccessible.
The intense rainfall is attributed to a phenomenon known as ‘gota fra’ or “cold drop”, which occurs when cold air moves over warm Mediterranean waters. This creates atmospheric instability, causing rapid formation of cumulonimbus clouds and heavy rain.
In response to the crisis, Prime Minister Sánchez emphasised the importance of adhering to emergency advice, saying, “Be very careful and avoid unnecessary trips.” Emergency services continue to rescue individuals trapped in floodwaters, utilising helicopters and drones to navigate the dangerous conditions.
Scientists warn that extreme weather events like these are becoming more frequent and intense due to the climate crisis, raising concerns about future weather-related disasters in Spain and beyond.