51 people died after torrential rain in the Valencia region

At least 51 people are known to have died after torrential rain caused devastating flash floods in southeastern Spain.

In the town of Chiva near Valencia, more than a year’s worth of rain fell in just eight hours and local officials said it was “impossible” to give a final toll on the number of deaths.

Footage posted to social networks showed floodwaters causing widespread chaos, collapsing bridges and dragging cars across roads. Another video appeared to show people clinging to trees to avoid being swept away.

Much of the country has been hit hard by heavy rain and hail, causing rapid flooding across many areas.

More than 1,000 soldiers are being deployed to support rescue operations while many people are still missing.

Local media also reported damage and casualties in the Balearic Islands.

Spain’s King Felipe VI said he was “devastated” by the floods and sent “sincere condolences” to the victims’ families, in a post on X.

Radio and television stations are said to have received hundreds of calls for help from people trapped in flooded areas or looking for loved ones while rescuers had difficulty reaching some areas. area.

Local official Milagros Tolon told Spanish public broadcaster TVE that rescuers were using drones to search for missing people in the hard-hit Letur municipality.

“The first priority is to find these people,” she said.

Police have issued an emergency hotline and asked people to call 9006 5112 to report missing people.

“In fact, all the main roads and secondary roads have been cut off,” said Pilar Bernabe, a representative of the regional government.

“Not going out is not a simple recommendation but is necessary to ensure the safety of those trapped and those who must rescue others.”

Spanish weather agency AEMET reported that Chiva, in the Valencia region, recorded 491mm of rain in just eight hours on Tuesday – equivalent to a year’s worth of rain.

They declared a red alert level in the Valencia region and a second highest alert level in parts of Andalusia.

The floods have caused transport disruptions with some flights due to land in Valencia having to be diverted to other cities and others cancelled. National rail infrastructure operator ADIF said all train services were suspended in the Valencia region.

Valencia City Hall said all schools and sporting events were suspended on Wednesday, and parks would be closed.

There are many factors that contribute to flooding, but a warming atmosphere due to climate change makes extreme rainfall more likely.

The world has warmed about 1.1 degrees Celsius since the industrial era began and temperatures will continue to rise unless governments around the world make drastic cuts in emissions.

Additional reporting by BBC Weather’s Matt Taylor.