Several bodies have been found in flood-hit areas of southeastern Spain By Reuters
Written by Emma Pinedo and David Latona
MADRID (Reuters) – An undisclosed number of bodies have been found in flood-hit areas of southeastern Spain, the head of the Valencia region told reporters on Wednesday.
Heavy rains caused by a cold front moving through southeast Spain flooded roads and towns on Tuesday, prompting authorities in the worst-hit areas to advise residents to stay at home and avoid all non-essential travel.
“The bodies have been found, but out of respect for the families, we will not give any more information,” said Valencia regional leader Carlos Mazon.
Spain’s meteorological agency AEMET has declared a red alert for the region east of Valencia, with other areas such as Turis and Utiel recording 200 mm (7.9 inches) of rain.
A number of videos shared on social media appeared to show people trapped in the water, many of them hanging from trees to avoid being washed away.
Other footage showed firefighters using long-line helicopters to help people caught in the water. A viral video appeared to capture a tornado, a rare occurrence in Spain.
Reuters could not immediately confirm the authenticity of the videos.
Radio and TV stations are receiving hundreds of calls for help from citizens who are trapped in flooded areas or looking for loved ones, as emergency services cannot reach all affected areas.
If (emergencies) have not arrived, it is not because of the lack of roads or the situation, but the problem of access,” said Mazon, adding that access to certain areas is “absolutely impossible”.
Pictures show firefighters rescuing drivers who were trapped amid heavy rain in the Valencian city of Alzira and streets full of stuck cars.
Scientists say that severe weather is becoming more frequent due to climate change. Meteorologists believe that the warming of the Mediterranean, which increases water evaporation, plays an important role in producing heavy rains.
Schools and other essential services have been suspended in the worst-hit areas.
The local emergency services have requested the help of the UME, a military unit specialized in rescue operations, in the area of Utiel-Requena, where the farmers’ association ASAJA said the storm caused extensive damage to crops.
