At least 51 dead as deadly flash floods devastate eastern Spain

Torrential rainfall inundated towns and roads, leaving residents trapped and infrastructure severely damaged.

Dramatic footage shared on social media captured the intensity of the floods, with people seeking refuge on rooftops and in trees to avoid being swept away. Emergency services were overwhelmed, struggling to reach those in need as many areas remained inaccessible.

Regional leader Carlos Mazon expressed deep concern, stating that reaching certain areas was "absolutely impossible" due to the severity of the flooding. To ensure public safety, authorities urged citizens to avoid all road travel and to stay updated on official announcements.

Train services to Madrid and Barcelona were suspended, and schools and other essential services were closed in the worst-affected areas. The Spanish state weather agency, AEMET, issued a red alert for the region, with some areas experiencing a staggering 200 mm (7.9 inches) of rainfall.

The UME military unit, specialized in rescue operations, was deployed to assist local emergency workers in their efforts to save lives and mitigate the damage.

This tragic event marks one of the deadliest flooding incidents in Europe since 2021, when nearly 200 people lost their lives in Germany. (ILKHA)