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At Least 72 Dead as Torrential Rains Trigger Spain's Deadliest Floods in Decades; Valencia Under Red Alert

Oct 30, 2024, 11:36 AM

At least 72 people have died in eastern Spain's Valencia region after torrential rains caused catastrophic flash floods, local authorities reported on October 30, 2024. The country's weather agency had declared a red alert, with some areas recording as much as 200mm of rainfall. The floods swept away cars, turned village streets into rivers, and left roads and towns under water. Emergency services and rescue teams have been deployed, but regional leader Carlos Mazon stated that it was "absolutely impossible" for rescue teams to reach some areas. Spain's central government has established a crisis committee to coordinate the response. The flooding disrupted rail lines and highways, with high-speed trains and schools affected. The disaster is considered the deadliest flooding to hit Spain in three decades, with the death toll expected to rise as dozens remain unaccounted for.