Torrent, Spain – Torrents of rain wreaked havoc in southeastern Spain, resulting in devastating flash floods that claimed the lives of at least 62 individuals, as reported by the regional government of Valencia. The deluge left many residents stranded, unable to seek refuge from the rising waters that inundated buildings and made major highways impassable.

Parts of southern and eastern Spain experienced a staggering 12 inches of rainfall within just a few hours on Tuesday, leading to widespread chaos and destruction. Footage from Valencia depicted muddy waters raging through the streets, demolishing structures and sweeping away parked vehicles.

The overflow from rivers like Utiel and Paiporta flooded nearby towns, with water levels surging onto the streets, carrying away cars, vans, and debris. In some instances, the torrents reached the first floors of buildings, trapping residents in basements and ground levels without means of escape.

The Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, pledged full government assistance to aid flood victims while emphasizing the importance of remaining vigilant. He announced plans to visit Valencia to assess the extent of the damage and offer support to the affected communities.

Valencia’s regional leader, Carlos Mazón, disclosed the grim discovery of several bodies as rescue operations expanded to previously inaccessible areas. As the region grappled with the aftermath of the catastrophic flooding, Defense Minister Margarita Robles described the situation as an “unprecedented phenomenon,” prompting the deployment of over 1,000 military personnel to aid in rescue efforts.

In response to the tragedy, the Spanish government declared three days of official mourning for the flood victims, commencing on Thursday. Mazón advised residents in Valencia and Castellón provinces to refrain from road travel as the cleanup and recovery efforts continued amidst looming rainstorms.

As residents embarked on the arduous task of cleaning up debris and searching for missing individuals, the persistent threat of additional rainstorms loomed overhead, exacerbating the already dire situation. The catastrophic flooding serves as a stark reminder of the escalating dangers posed by extreme weather events in the face of a rapidly changing climate.