Search and rescue operations continued in Spain on Thursday following a devastating storm and flash floods that left at least 95 dead and caused widespread destruction across Valencia, where many people remain unaccounted for.
Defence Minister Margarita Robles reported that while an exact number of missing people is still unknown, many are feared to be missing. Around 1,000 soldiers have been deployed, prioritising the search for those unaccounted for.
“We believe some individuals in Paiporta and Massanassa might be trapped in garages or basements, possibly having gone to retrieve their vehicles,” Robles told Telecinco.
The worst hit came Tuesday, when nearly a year’s worth of rainfall struck within hours, triggering flash floods, overflowing rivers, and transforming streets into raging rivers. Thousands were taken by surprise, with some trapped in cars and others stranded in homes, workplaces, or public spaces, awaiting rescue amid rising waters.
Valencia’s government sent an emergency alert late Tuesday, urging residents to stay indoors or seek higher ground, but much of the destruction had already occurred by then. Emergency services were overwhelmed by the volume of calls and struggled to reach the most affected areas.
Beyond the human toll, the storm left immense damage to infrastructure. Thousands remain without electricity or clean water, with many communities cut off due to damaged roads and railways.
Transport Minister Oscar Puente announced that the high-speed rail line between Madrid and Valencia will be closed for at least two to three weeks as major repairs are needed. Some local rail lines will require “many months” to restore, and about 80km of highway have sustained severe damage.
