Valencia, Spain – After being put on high alert due to Storm Dana, the country experienced severe weather conditions with flash floods causing havoc across several regions. Spanish authorities reported multiple casualties as the storm swept away cars, inundated village streets, and disrupted transportation networks.
The scenes captured in footage showcased the rapid rise of floodwaters, submerging vehicles and encroaching into residential areas. Carlos Mazon, the regional president of eastern Valencia, expressed concern over the number of fatalities, indicating that many individuals were still unaccounted for.
According to reports from Spanish national broadcaster RTVE, 13 bodies were recovered in Valencia, as confirmed by the Civil Guard. However, the exact death toll remained uncertain as rescue efforts continued.
The rainstorms on Tuesday led to extensive flooding in southern and eastern Spain, prompting the country’s state weather agency, AEMET, to issue red alerts for the eastern Valencia region and high-level alerts for parts of Andalusia in the south.
In another incident, a high-speed train carrying nearly 300 passengers derailed near Malaga, although fortunately, no injuries were reported. The disruption in rail services between Valencia city and Madrid, alongside local commuter lines, added to the chaos caused by the severe weather conditions.
AEMET forecasted ongoing storms until Thursday, with Valencia anticipated to bear the brunt of the deluge. The region was expected to receive significant rainfall within a short period, with estimates suggesting up to 180 mm in less than 12 hours.
The impact of Storm Dana serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by extreme weather events, prompting authorities and residents alike to remain vigilant and prepared for any further developments.