By Emma Pinedo and David Latona for Reuters
A flooded slum area is pictured in Picuana, near Valencia, eastern Spain on 30 October. Photo: JOSE JORDAN / AFP
At least 51 people have been killed in flash floods sweeping the eastern Spanish region of Valencia following torrential rains on Tuesday that left roads and towns under water, local authorities say.
Dozens of videos shared on social media overnight appeared to show people trapped by the floodwaters, with some climbing into trees to avoid being swept away.
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— K13 News (@K13News) October 30, 2024
TODA LA SOLIDARIDAD con las familias de los fallecidos y desaparecidos y con las personas afectadas de Valencia,Albacete y Andalucía por la gran #INUNDACIÓN por una terrible gota fría Saquemos la lección de fortalecer los servicios públicos y tomarnos en serio el… pic.twitter.com/cH7allc6Hg
Carlos Mazon, the regional leader of Valencia, told a press conference some people remained isolated in inaccessible locations.
Emergency services urged citizens to refrain from any kind of road travel and to follow further updates from official sources.
Spain's state weather agency AEMET declared a red alert in Valencia, with some areas such as Turis and Utiel recording 200mm of rainfall.
- Reuters
