Bodies Found in Garage as the Death Toll from Spanish Floods Climbs to 158
At least 155 deaths recorded in the eastern region of Valencia
- The death toll from the floods in Spain has reached 158
- Flooding has caused severe damage
- Residents reported receiving weather alerts only after the floods began
The death toll from Spain’s devastating floods has risen to 158, according to emergency services and officials, as rescue teams tirelessly search for survivors.
In the eastern region of Valencia, 155 bodies have been recovered, while Castilla-La Mancha and Andalusia reported two and one additional deaths, respectively.
The catastrophic flooding has left scenes reminiscent of a hurricane or tsunami: cars stacked like dominoes, uprooted trees, and downed power lines littering the mud-covered streets of numerous Valencia communities.
Bridges have been destroyed, and many roads are now unrecognizable.
Authorities have not released the number of individuals still missing, and Defence Minister Margarita Robles warned that the final death count may be higher.
Criticism has arisen against the central government in Madrid, with opposition politicians claiming that response efforts to warn residents and deploy rescue teams were too slow. The Ministry of Interior countered that regional authorities are responsible for civil protection.
Valencia’s Mayor, Maria Jose Catala, confirmed that among the deceased were a local policeman and a 45-year-old woman found in her home. A local supermarket manager lamented, “Those people wouldn’t have died if they had been warned in time.”
Residents expressed frustration, revealing that many received weather alerts only after the floods had begun. Al Jazeera’s Sonia Gallego noted that locals felt abandoned, with entire neighborhoods cut off from assistance.
Authorities announced that, as of late Wednesday, no one remained stranded in rooftops or cars needing rescue after helicopters saved around 70 individuals. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez emphasized the need to locate victims and missing persons, calling for an end to the suffering of their families as the nation enters three days of official mourning.
Heavy rains persisted in northern areas, prompting a red alert for several counties in Castellon and Tarragona, while an orange alert was issued for Cadiz. “This storm front is still with us,” Sanchez urged. “Stay home and heed official recommendations to help save lives.”
