Spain is grappling with the aftermath of a devastating storm that has unleashed historic floods, leaving parts of the country overwhelmed and mourning the loss of lives.
Claim 217 Lives
Barcelona and Valencia are among the hardest-hit areas, with the storm claiming at least 217 lives nationwide as heavy rains and flooding continue to affect millions.
In Barcelona, authorities have issued a red alert for torrential rain, urging residents to stay safe indoors as the storm intensifies, according to Ziare.
Barcelona-El Prat Airport, a critical transportation hub, has faced severe disruptions, with 70 flights canceled and 18 more diverted due to floodwaters that swamped runways and parking areas. Dramatic scenes unfolded as water pooled across terminal T-1 and forced at least one plane to abort its landing.
Residents and visitors alike have been advised to steer clear of flooded areas, while emergency services work to minimize the impact of rising waters.
Mobilized 7,500 Soldiers
In Valencia, the disaster's epicenter, the situation remains dire. Thousands of homes have been destroyed, and roads are blocked with abandoned vehicles swept away by the floodwaters. Rescue teams are working tirelessly, though challenging conditions persist, with efforts ongoing to retrieve bodies from severely affected urban areas.
Spain has mobilized around 7,500 soldiers to support rescue and recovery in the hardest-hit regions, especially around eastern Spain.
These troops, equipped with specialized military rescue tools, have been distributing essentials like food and drinking water, removing debris, and securing communities to prevent potential looting.
This national response highlights the scale of the crisis, with Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles emphasizing the need for coordinated action to save lives and restore order.
To make matters worse, the northeast, including Barcelona, recently experienced a hailstorm, compounding the damage in regions already struggling under unprecedented rainfall.
Such extreme weather events are seen as part of a broader pattern of climate change, which has increasingly impacted southern Europe, leaving Spain to face a season of relentless storms and severe flooding.
