• Source:JND
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Flash floods in southern and eastern Spain have resulted in the recovery of several bodies as communities grapple with the aftermath of the disaster. Triggered by torrential rains on Tuesday, some regions experienced an astonishing 12 inches of rain within just a few hours. Valencia was particularly affected, where streets were inundated with muddy water, walls were demolished, and vehicles were swept away, highlighting the devastating impact of the severe floods.

Torrential rains have wreaked havoc across eastern Spain, flooding roads and towns, sweeping cars through the streets, and even causing a train derailment, along with significant damage to homes and buildings. In response to the severe conditions, authorities in the worst-hit areas urged residents to remain at home and avoid all non-essential travel. Tragically, Valencia's regional authorities reported that at least 62 people have lost their lives due to the floods, including children, underscoring the catastrophic impact of the weather.

Numerous videos circulating on social media depicted individuals stranded in floodwaters, with some clinging to trees to prevent being swept away.

Authorities deployed helicopters to carry out rescues for residents trapped in their homes.

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Death Toll 'Provisional' As Authorities Anticipate Further Increase

Rainfall warnings remain in effect for parts of eastern and southern Spain, with heavy rain anticipated to continue through the week, as stated by Spain’s Meteorological Agency (AEMET). Valencia's regional leader, Carlos Mazon, reported that some bodies were discovered as rescue teams accessed previously isolated areas, but he refrained from providing further details out of respect for the families. Authorities warned that the current death toll, which is expected to rise, is still considered ‘provisional’.

Heavy Rainfall Linked To Gota Fria

Emergency services rescued numerous individuals in Álora, Andalusia, some using helicopters, after a river overflowed. The state weather agency AEMET issued a red alert for the Valencia region and a second-highest alert level for parts of Andalusia, leading to several road closures due to flooding.

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The heavy rainfall is linked to a weather phenomenon known as gota fría, or ‘cold drop’, which occurs when cold air moves over the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea. This process creates atmospheric instability, causing warm, saturated air to rise quickly, resulting in the rapid formation of towering cumulonimbus clouds that produce heavy rainfall across eastern Spain.

In a televised address on Wednesday morning, Spanish PM Sánchez urged for unity, solidarity, and vigilance. He stated, "We must remain vigilant, as the weather front continues to cause destruction, and we cannot declare that this devastating event has concluded."

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