At least four dead as floods sweep eastern Spain; more than 450 rescued
Torrential rain hit the Valencia and Alicante regions hardest, stranding people on rooftops and in cars, while schools closed and flights were disrupted in the Balearic Islands.
At least four people have died after torrential rain and severe flooding along Spain's eastern Mediterranean coast, with the Valencia and Alicante regions the worst affected. In the town of Oliva, two bodies were recovered on Monday: a 79-year-old woman found in her home and a man who suffered a heart attack at a campsite. In Sagunto, a man drowned while swimming at the beach, and in Catalonia a woman died after falling into a rain-swollen stream.
Emergency services have rescued more than 450 people who were trapped by rising water. Some were airlifted by helicopter from rooftops, flooded buildings and vehicles, while others were brought to safety by boat. Authorities imposed emergency restrictions in several municipalities, asking residents to stay indoors; most have since been lifted. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said military emergency teams were helping with rescue operations and pledged the government's full support.
The Balearic Islands, including Mallorca and Ibiza, were also hit, with schools closed and some flights cancelled or delayed. Travellers heading to the region are advised to check with their airline and follow local alerts. The floods come almost two years after the deadly storm of October 2024 that devastated parts of the Valencia region. Source: DW (with dpa, AFP; Al Jazeera)