Spanish Valencia Flash Flood Death Toll Increases To 64 People
JAKARTA - 64 people died in the deadliest floods that hit Spain for three decades after heavy rains flushed the eastern region of Valencia.
The floods caused roads and cities to be submerged in water, local authorities said on Wednesday, October 30.
Rescue teams using boats work in the dark to explore flooding, take some people to safety, as television broadcasts from the city of Utiel, and emergency services are still working to reach the worst-affected areas.
"For those who are currently still looking for their loved ones, all of Spain is crying with you," Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said in a televised address.
Sanchez promises to bring back your streets, your squares, your bridges.
Carlos Mazon, Valencia's regional leader, who accounts for nearly two-thirds of the world's largest orange production at the world's supplier of oranges, said some people were still stuck in difficult locations.
"If (emergency services) have not arrived, it is not due to lack of facilities or tendencies, but a problem of access," said Mazon.
62 people were reportedly killed in Valencia, while authorities in central Castilla La Mancha said the disaster left two people dead and several missing.
Dozens of videos shared on social media last night showed people trapped in flood water, and some of them climbed trees so they wouldn't be swept away by the flood.
The footage shows rescue workers carrying several women with bulldozers.
Trains to the cities of Madrid and Barcelona were canceled due to flooding. Meanwhile, schools and other important services were suspended in the worst-affected areas due to flooding, officials said.
Emergency services in the area urge residents to avoid all land trips and follow further official advice.
Meanwhile, military units specifically carrying out rescue operations were deployed in several places to assist local emergency workers.
Some parts of the region, such as the city of Turis, Chiva or Bunol, recorded rainfall of more than 400 mm (15.75 inches) equivalent to normal rainfall for one year so the state weather agency AEMET announced a red alert on Tuesday.