Spain floods latest: British man killed in deadly Valencia flooding as death toll nears 100
Authored by Ed Holt and Olivia Christie
Posted: 5:55 PM GMT, October 30, 2024 | Revised: 12:25 AM GMT, October 31, 2024
The devastating floods in Spain have resulted in over 90 fatalities, with many individuals feeling 'trapped' and entire communities isolated.
Whole towns have been submerged, vehicles have been carried off, and residents have found themselves trapped in their houses amidst almost apocalyptic conditions.
The government has announced three days of mourning for the many lives lost in the catastrophic floods, with one local reporter calling it the worst natural disaster in five decades.
Stay tuned for MailOnline's real-time updates on the flooding in Valencia.
Were you affected by the floods? If so, please reach out to [email protected].
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Valencia Vs. Real Madrid Match In Uncertainty
This Saturday's match between Valencia and Real Madrid is expected to be postponed due to the severe flooding.
LaLiga, the premier division of Spanish football, has requested that all football matches planned in Valencia for this weekend be canceled.
This follows the postponement of Valencia's game this evening.
"Expat In Valencia: Deadly Floods Hit Schools Fast"
Written by Elena Salvoni and Olivia Christie.
A mother of two from Britain, residing in Valencia, stated that local officials were slow to respond as devastating floods inundated the area, resulting in over 95 fatalities.
Whole communities have been submerged, vehicles have been carried off, and many individuals are trapped in their houses, resembling a scene from a disaster movie.
This afternoon, authorities confirmed that a 71-year-old man from Britain, who had been experiencing hypothermia, was among the deceased.
The government has announced a three-day period of mourning following the floods, which are being labeled as the worst natural disaster to hit Spain in over half a century.
A British expatriate residing in Valencia shared with MailOnline that the severity of the tragic event might have been reduced if officials had taken action sooner.
Scientists Link Spain's Extreme Weather To Climate Change
Researchers have indicated that the rising frequency of severe weather incidents in Spain is probably linked to climate change.
Spain is gradually bouncing back from a serious drought and has experienced exceptionally high temperatures in the past few years.
The storms that occurred yesterday produced an unusual tornado and an unexpected hailstorm, which damaged car windows and greenhouses.
Spain Faces Rising Death Toll Nearing 100
On Wednesday, Spain prepared for a greater loss of life following flash floods that resulted in the deaths of 95 individuals. The flooding sent torrents of muddy water through communities, overturned vehicles, and caused significant disruptions to transportation.
Rescue teams were anticipated to uncover additional bodies following the most severe flooding the European nation has experienced in over half a century. A period of official mourning was set to begin on Thursday and last for three days.
Since the start of the week, Spain has been hit by heavy rain and strong winds due to a storm that developed over the Mediterranean Sea. In certain regions, they have experienced as much rain in just a few hours as they would typically receive in an entire year.
The organization responsible for managing emergency services in eastern Valencia reported a preliminary death count of 92. They also mentioned that efforts to recover and identify additional bodies are ongoing.
According to officials from both regions, two individuals lost their lives in nearby Castilla-La Mancha, while another person was reported deceased in Andalusia in the southern part of the country.
The number of casualties is expected to increase, as there are numerous individuals still unaccounted for, stated government minister Angel Victor Torres in an interview with the public broadcaster TVE.
Carlos Mazon, the leader of the Valencia region, informed journalists that there are no longer individuals needing rescue from rooftops or terraces via air support.
Emergency responders conducted 200 ground rescues and 70 air evacuations during the day, he stated.
Residents, taken aback by the situation, tried to remove the muck and fill buckets to scoop out water from their houses, preparing for a long evening with no water or power.
Residents Get Ready For Night In Emergency Shelter
People in Valencia whose houses have been affected or wrecked by the sudden floods are getting ready to stay overnight in emergency shelters.
Dozens Still Missing, Reports Spanish Media
The Spanish publication El Pais has stated that many individuals are still unaccounted for after the devastating floods.
As of now, the official number of fatalities stands at 95. In Valencia, there have been 92 deaths, while Castilla La Mancha reports two, and one person has died in Malaga.
Catalonia Halts Flood Plans Amid Heavy Rains
The interior minister of Catalonia has decided not to implement its emergency flood plan, even with the intense rainfall that has led to flooding in Valencia heading in its direction.
Previously, the northern part of Spain, located just above Valencia, was put on high alert as the intense rainfall that caused flooding in Valencia began to shift northward.
During a press briefing, Catalan Interior Minister Nuria Parlon stated, "Current predictions do not lead us to believe that we need to prepare for a flood similar to the one that sadly occurred in Valencia."
Flood Survivors Have "Nothing Left To Save"
People affected by last night's floods who are going back to their houses say they have 'nothing left to salvage.'
In the town of Utiel, an intense storm on Tuesday released 230 mm of rain, which is three times more than the previous daily record, as reported by the national weather agency AEMET.
That amount of water was nearly six times higher than the typical rainfall the area usually gets throughout the entire month of October.
"There’s nothing more to salvage; I lost it all in a single night," said Emilio Munoz, a resident of Utiel, standing in front of his modest red-brick home.
The retired man in his 70s had just completed his cooking when water began to flood his house, causing a mess everywhere. Branches and leaves were even draped from the chandelier in his dining room.
A despairing Jose Manuel Rellan looked on with sorrow as heavy rains soaked his town in eastern Spain on Wednesday, amidst the country's worst flooding in over 50 years.
"It's been pouring for ten straight hours... and this is what we’re dealing with," said the 49-year-old warehouse employee in Ribarroja del Turia, gesturing towards the muddy, flooded streets.
"We're isolated right now; there are areas of the town you can't access. All the roads are blocked, and the bridges have been damaged."
Spanish PM Appreciates Global Leaders' Support
The Prime Minister of Spain expressed gratitude to world leaders for their support and understanding in the wake of the recent flash floods in the country.
In a message shared on X, previously known as Twitter, Pedro Sanchez mentioned that he had conversations with various global leaders, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and EU President Ursula von der Leyen.
He mentioned: "During the afternoon, I had the opportunity to converse with Antonio Guterres, Ursula von der Leyen, and various global leaders who were concerned about the crisis brought on by the DANA. I want to express my gratitude to all of them for their support and understanding for the Spanish people. Our nation feels more supported than it has ever been."
European Leaders Rally Support For Spain
Leaders throughout the continent have expressed their unity and assistance to Spain in the wake of the destructive floods that occurred last night.
French President Emmanuel Macron has extended support from Spain's northern neighbor to help with relief efforts.
Italy's Giorgia Meloni expressed her condolences, stating that her thoughts are with the victims and their families.
Earlier today, Germany's foreign minister Annalena Baerbock stated, "Europe is united. Germany is prepared to assist in any way needed."
The leader of Portugal, which is Spain's closest neighbor, has expressed his country's willingness to assist Spain.
Keir Starmer hasn't released any comments regarding the recent flash flooding.
Red Weather Warnings Across Much Of Spain
The Spanish Securities and Emergencies agency has placed red weather alerts in effect for many areas throughout Spain.
Yellow and red weather alerts have been issued for certain areas in Castellon, Alicante, and Valencia.
A red warning is issued for severe or unusual weather situations and represents the highest level of alert. On the other hand, yellow warnings point to weather conditions that carry a lower risk.
What Triggered The Flash Floods In Spain?
Meteorologists report that the flash floods that hit Spain last night were triggered by an entire year's worth of rainfall pouring down in just eight hours.
Last night, a significant portion of Spain experienced intense rain and hail storms, with Valencia being the most severely impacted area, receiving 491mm of rain in just eight hours.
The eastern part of Spain generally receives just 460mm of rainfall over the course of a year.
In just one hour, the rainfall reached 160mm.
Spanish meteorologists suggest that this may be attributed to a phenomenon called DANA. This acronym stands for "Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos," referring to high-altitude isolated depressions. Unlike typical storms or squalls, DANA can develop on its own without relying on polar or subtropical jet streams.
When chilly air moves over the warm waters of the Mediterranean, it causes the warmer air to rise rapidly, resulting in thick clouds filled with moisture that can linger in one place for extended periods. This increases the risk of severe weather. According to meteorologists, such conditions can lead to heavy hailstorms and even tornadoes, as we witnessed recently.
Watch: The Devastating Storms Sweeping Spain
Death Toll Exceeds 90 Victims
Spain has announced that the death toll from the sudden floods has reached at least 95 individuals.
To date, there have been 92 fatalities reported in Valencia, along with two in Castilla La Mancha and one in Malaga.
Spaniards Deal With Aftermath Of Deadly Floods
Residents of Spain have begun to remove rubble from their roads following flash floods last night that damaged houses and left vehicles stacked in the streets.
Corpses Found In Homes After Spain's Devastating Floods
UK Foreign Office Issues Travel Warning After Death
The UK's Foreign Office has revised its travel recommendations for people heading to Spain due to the recent flash floods.
It was reported that harsh weather conditions and flooding are impacting numerous locations in southern and western Spain, especially in the Valencia area and Castilla La Mancha. This could disrupt travel plans.
Brits living in Valencia are advised to look at the most recent weather alerts in Spain before heading out on any trips.
At the same time, a 71-year-old man from Britain, who was saved from his house in Malaga during the sudden flooding, has passed away in the hospital.
The President of Andalusia, located in the south of Spain, reported that he was saved from his house due to the sudden flooding.
He experienced hypothermia and ultimately passed away due to multiple heart failures.
What We Know About The Spanish Floods So Far
At least 72 individuals have lost their lives due to severe flooding in the Valencia area of eastern Spain, and the number of fatalities is likely to increase.
Some individuals remain unaccounted for this evening, and search and rescue operations are continuing.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has announced a three-day period of mourning after what many are describing as 'the most devastating natural disaster to strike Spain in half a century.'
