(Image: AP)
Valencia flooding horror as 51 confirmed dead in freak Spain weather
by Liv Clarke · Manchester Evening NewsAccording to Spanish emergency services at least 51 people have died due to severe floods in the eastern region of Valencia, Spain. Heavy rains have battered the region leading to flash flooding.
Emergency services have been working overnight to rescue people from the floods. The devastating flash floods have swept away cars, turned streets into rivers and disrupted rail lines and highways.
Rainstorms on Tuesday caused flooding in a wide swath of southern and eastern Spain. AEMET, the country's state weather agency, issued a red alert for the eastern Valencia region with the second-highest level of alert put in place for parts of Andalusia in the south.
More than 1,000 soldiers from Spain’s emergency response units were deployed to the devastated areas. Spain’s central government set up a crisis committee to help co-ordinate rescue efforts.
(Image: AP)
Near Malaga a high-speed train with nearly 300 people on board derailed, although rail authorities said no-one was hurt. High-speed train service between Valencia city and Madrid was interrupted, as were several commuter lines.
Floods of mud-coloured water tumbled vehicles down streets at frightening speeds. Pieces of wood swirled with household articles. Police and rescue services used helicopters to lift people from their homes and cars.
Storms were forecast to continue through Thursday, according to Spain’s national weather service. Spain has experienced similar autumn storms in recent years. It is still recovering from a severe drought earlier this year. Scientists say increased episodes of extreme weather are likely linked to climate change.