In Picture: Spain’s deadliest flood devastates Valencia region

Spain is facing one of its worst flood disasters in decades, with at least 95 confirmed deaths and dozens missing. The severe flooding was a result of torrential rainstorms that pounded the Valencia region and beyond. The disaster has destroyed homes, swept away bridges, and forced residents to seek shelter on rooftops or in trees to escape the raging waters, leaving communities devastated and many in urgent need of assistance. Photo credit: @CGTNRadio/X

On Tuesday, heavy rainfall caused flash floods in eastern Spain, especially in Valencia, turning streets into rivers. The deluge overwhelmed buildings and roadways, forcing people to abandon vehicles and seek high ground. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared a three-day national mourning period, highlighting the crisis as authorities continue search-and-rescue efforts under challenging conditions. Photo credit: @Top_Disaster/X

Spanish officials report the current death toll is the worst since 1973, when floods killed at least 150 people in the southeast. Valencia alone has recorded 92 fatalities, with more in Castilla-La Mancha and Málaga. The unprecedented rainfall overwhelmed the region’s infrastructure, sparking a national conversation about flood preparedness and climate change’s impact. Photo credit: @OvaisSarmad/X

Extreme weather hit Valencia on Tuesday, with towns like Chiva getting a year's rain in eight hours. By Wednesday, the Spanish army and emergency teams were rescuing stranded residents. Survivors told of rapid floodwaters sweeping away everything, catching people by surprise. Many saw flash floods overturn vehicles, wash away debris, and force evacuations. One motorist called the flood a "tsunami" on the highway, forcing his family to abandon their car. Another described drivers forming human chains to escape, highlighting the chaos as people rushed to safety. Photo credit: @magontierp/X

The disaster has prompted scrutiny over Spain’s emergency response system. Local authorities and disaster relief agencies are criticized for delayed response times, with some residents arguing they received no warning before the floods. Civil protection agencies issued alerts too late, and the regional government defends its decision to dismantle a previous flood response emergency unit. Photo credit: wikimedia commons

Spain’s government mobilized over 1,000 troops to support rescue operations in Valencia and nearby regions, though ongoing floods and damaged infrastructure obstruct efforts. The European Union has activated its Copernicus satellite system to aid Spanish teams, while neighbouring countries offered assistance. Officials described the flooding as unprecedented, attributing the destruction to extreme weather exacerbated by climate change. Photo credit: @shafeKoreshe/X

Weather experts believe “gota fria,” or “cold drop,” caused the flooding. This event occurs when colder air descends on warmer Mediterranean waters, producing heavy rainfall. However, scientists argue climate change has intensified occurrences, causing warmer air to hold more moisture and release torrential downpours, with worsening conditions as global temperatures rise. Photo credit: @Yoca1000/X

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez pledged full government support for affected regions, stressing the country would work to rebuild and recover. He called on citizens to remain cautious as heavy rainfall is forecast to continue in eastern Spain, with warnings extending into Catalonia and other areas. Experts predict climate change will make extreme weather events more frequent, urging governments to act swiftly on emissions reduction. Photo credit: @__jessayin/X