Written By Lisa Murimi
Spain is reeling from catastrophic flooding that has claimed at least 158 lives, primarily in Valencia, where the death toll reached 155, while additional fatalities were reported in Castilla-La Mancha and Andalusia.
In Paiporta, a town where a river burst its banks, residents mourn the tragic loss of friends and neighbors, with streets still coated in mud and debris.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited the hardest-hit areas on Thursday, expressing his commitment to saving lives amid the devastation.
Thousands of rescue workers, assisted by drones, continue the search for survivors despite the threat of further rain.
As of Thursday, many remain missing, and efforts to recover bodies from the flood’s aftermath are ongoing.
The disaster has prompted a three-day national mourning period, with flags at half-mast across Spain.
King Felipe VI urged residents to remain vigilant, while public criticism mounts over delayed emergency warnings.
The civil protection agency’s alert, issued hours after the initial flooding, has faced scrutiny.
Experts point to climate change as a catalyst, intensifying Spain’s seasonal “gota fría” rain events, which are now unleashing unprecedented rainfall.
With more storms forecast, Spain braces for further hardship as recovery begins.
