Eastern Spain Flash Floods Kill Over 200 People

SEAToday.com, Valencia - Flash floods that swept Eastern Spain on Tuesday (10/29) evening and early Wednesday had killed at least 217 people with dozens still missing, said Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Saturday (11/2). The disaster had been called the country’s deadliest in decades.

Storm that concentrated on Spain's Valencia Region caused heavy downpours that overflowed riverbanks. Within minutes, muddy water had taken over roads, houses and business, forcing residents to take refuge on higher ground and trapping many in low-lying areas.

Spain’s national weather service said that in the hard-hit locality of Chiva, it rained more in eight hours than it had in the preceding 20 months. Scientists have named climate change to be the cause of the extreme weather.

PM Sanchez stated that the government was sending 5,000 soldiers to help with the rescue effort, in addition to the 2,500 who were already involved.

Many criticized the Valencia regional government for flood warnings that were deemed sent too late. The Spanish Royal couple who visited Paiporta on Sunday (11/3) were also met with hurled mud thrown by enraged survivors.