Spain has been hit by its worst floods in decades. The death toll has risen to 95 so far. Dozens more people are missing. The country's government fears that the death toll could rise further.
This information was reported in a report by the UK-based media outlet BBC on Thursday (October 31).
Earlier on Tuesday (October 29), flash floods began in southeastern Spain due to torrential rain.
Spanish authorities said that flash floods in southeastern Spain were caused by heavy rain and hail. At least 95 people have died so far. Several more are missing. Efforts are underway to rescue missing residents.
The BBC report said that the strong current of floodwaters swept away bridges and buildings. People took shelter on rooftops to protect themselves. Many clung to trees.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has declared three days of national mourning in the country due to the extreme situation.
The president of the Valencia region, Carlos Mazón, said it was impossible to give a final death toll at this stage because many people were still missing. Rescue operations were underway. Rescue workers were using drones to search for the missing.
Footage posted on social media showed cars being swept away by the powerful floodwaters, bridges collapsing. Other videos showed people clinging to trees to avoid being swept away.
The Spanish meteorological office said Chiva in the Valencia region had recorded 491mm of rain in just eight hours on Tuesday, the equivalent of a year's worth of rainfall.
Radio and TV stations said they had received hundreds of calls from people trapped in flooded areas and asking for help to rescue loved ones.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez X issued a statement ordering the rapid rescue of the missing. He said he was personally supervising the rescue operations.
He urged people to follow the advice of authorities in the event of a flood.
Meanwhile, several flights have been cancelled in Valencia due to flooding. Communication between the cities is cut off. All train services in the region have been suspended and all schools have been closed.