Flash floods in Spain leave several missing, sweep away vehicles and disrupt train services

Barcelona, Spain (AP) — Spanish authorities have reported multiple people missing after severe flash floods swept through village streets, carried away vehicles, and severely disrupted rail services across large regions of eastern and southern Spain on Tuesday.

The destructive, muddy torrents caused widespread damage from Malaga in the south to Valencia in the east. Videos shared by locals and broadcast by Spain’s national channel RTVE captured the terrifying scenes, showing rapid, murky waters lifting vehicles off the ground and flooding several feet into the lower levels of homes.

One high-speed train, carrying almost 300 passengers, derailed near Malaga; fortunately, no injuries were reported. Rail services between Valencia and Madrid, along with several commuter lines, faced major interruptions.

In Castilla La Mancha, the national government’s regional office told Cadena Ser radio that six people were missing. Meanwhile, in the Valencia region, Spanish news agency EFE reported a truck driver missing in L’Alcudia, while Utiel’s mayor, Ricardo Gabaldón, confirmed that some residents were trapped in their homes.

Police and rescue services launched efforts to airlift individuals in immediate danger from their homes and cars, using helicopters to reach those at risk of drowning. Spain’s emergency army brigade was also deployed to assist in the rescue operations.

The Spanish national weather service has forecasted continued storms through Thursday, as the nation endures yet another series of extreme autumn storms. Although recent rainfall has helped mitigate the country’s prolonged drought, scientists warn that such intense weather events are increasingly likely to be connected to climate change.
 

Agencies