Torrential rainfall on Tuesday triggered flash floods that swept through the eastern province of Valencia and neighboring regions.

The extreme weather conditions caused widespread devastation, with bridges collapsing, buildings being washed away, and communities left submerged. Many residents were forced to seek refuge on rooftops or cling to trees to survive the raging waters.

President Pedro Sánchez declared three days of national mourning as rescue efforts continue, hampered by the ongoing adverse weather. Authorities fear the death toll may rise as search and rescue teams work tirelessly to locate missing individuals.

In a televised address, President Sánchez expressed his condolences to the victims and their families, pledging the government's full support for the recovery efforts. While the government has not explicitly linked the extreme weather event to climate change, climate scientists have pointed to the increasing frequency and intensity of such events due to rising global temperatures.

As the rain begins to ease in the central-eastern regions of Spain, weather officials are warning of potential flooding in the northeastern Catalonia region. Residents in other parts of the country have also been advised to take precautions and heed weather warnings.

Survivors of the devastating floods have shared harrowing accounts of the terrifying ordeal, highlighting the immense power of nature and the urgent need to address the growing threat of climate change. (ILKHA)