Spain's deadliest floods in 5 decades leave 158 dead, with rescuers unable to reach many places

 

Madrid: The death toll in Spain's worst floods in five decades has reached 158. It is unclear how many people are missing. Heavy rain in the eastern region of Valencia caused the flood. Rescue workers have not been able to reach many completely submerged areas.

A year's worth of rain fell in Valencia in eight hours. Experts say the condition is linked to climate change. Heavy rain fell in southern and eastern parts of Spain. All the roads were flooded. Road traffic was blocked due to muddy water. Rail and air traffic were also disrupted. Cars were seen floating in the streets and buildings were flooded.

Rescue workers found the bodies of eight people yesterday. Thousands walked across the bridge over the Turia River from La Torre to Valencia city center to buy essentials such as water and toilet paper.

The heavy rain is caused by a phenomenon known as the 'cold drop', which occurs when cold air moves over the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Some places received more than 150 mm of rain in 24 hours. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez had earlier warned people to be very careful and avoid unnecessary travel.