The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice to southern and eastern Spain after at least 62 people were killed in flash floods.
Severe rain, which on Tuesday saw more than a year’s worth of rain falling within hours, has left emergency services scrambling to reach isolated areas and help those in need.
The FCDO has warned visitors to the areas to “check the latest weather warnings from Spain’s meteorological office before you travel and follow instructions from local authorities.”
The full advice on the floods read: “Severe weather and flooding is affecting many areas of Southern and Eastern Spain, particularly the Valencia region and Castilla La Mancha. Journeys may be affected. Check the latest weather warnings from Spain’s meteorological office before you travel and follow instructions from local authorities.”
Among the worst-hit regions is Valencia, where children were reportedly among the victims. The president of the region of Valencia confirmed to reporters early on Wednesday people had died, whilst not specifying the exact number.
Speaking before the full extent of the destruction became clear, Carlos Mazon said: “Dead bodies have been found, but out of respect for the families, we are not going to provide any further data.”
Mazon called for those in areas trapped by floods to remain calm, as he urged those able to do so to move to places of safety.
Addressing those still trapped, Mazon added: “We will get there, and if we haven’t already, it’s not because of a lack of capacity, but because of a problem of access.”
Earlier this morning, Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez held a news conference in which he expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and stated it was his “absolute priority” to help those in need.
Mr Sanchez said: “Our thoughts go out to those whose homes and possessions have been devastated and whose lives have been covered in mud.
“We are united and we will rebuild your streets and your squares and bridges, Spain will be with you.”
Mr Sanchez vowed that the government’s crisis committee will work “hand in hand” with local authorities and town mayors for “24 hours a day as long as the emergency goes on”.
It is expected that the area is set for more severe weather over the next 24 hours, with Mr Sanchez urging residents to listen to recommendations by emergency services and not to risk their lives.
Whilst authorities had warned of the coming danger, few had anticipated the levels of damage, destruction and death seen in the last 24 hours.
Jon Clarke is the editor of The Olive Press, a news site for Spain’s expatriate community. He described the storms as “the worst natural disaster at least for 50 years but it could be a lot more” when speaking to Sky News.
Footage overnight showed a bridge being swept away near Valencia and dozens of cars submerged in murky water.
