VELENCIA, Spain: Fifty one people have died in flash floods sweeping the Spanish region of Valencia following rains on Tuesday that left roads and towns flooded with water, local authorities said on Wednesday.
According to Reuters videos shared on social media show people trapped in floodwaters, with few climbing on trees to avoid being swept away.
Regional leader of Valencia, Carlos Mazon, in a press conference stated that people remained isolated in inaccessible locations.
Mazon stated that emergency services can not reach certain areas owing to inaccessibility.
Citizens have been urged to avoid any kind of road travel and to follow updates from official sources as situation develops.
Madrid and Barcelona trains are also cancelled due to the flooding, while schools and other services also suspended in different areas.
Firefighters are shown in the footages rescuing trapped drivers in heavy rain in Alzira town from stranded vehicles.
Military units specialising in rescue operations are also deployed in different areas to help local services.
Weather agency AEMET have issued a red alert in Valencia which is famous for its citrus-growing. The weather agency also shared the data of some areas with Turis and Utiel receiving 200 mm (7.9 inches) of rain.
The death toll from flooding appeared to be worst in Europe since 2021 where almost 200 people died, in Germany.
Scientists are of the opinion that extreme weather in the region is a frequent phenomenon due to climate change.
Meteorologists believe that the Mediterranean sea get warm results with increased water evaporation and it plays a major role in torrential rains getting severe.
