Spain is grappling with its most devastating flooding event in decades, with at least 158 fatalities recorded as rescue operations continue amid ongoing rainfall. Over 1,200 personnel, supported by drones, have been engaged in search and rescue efforts since Thursday as conditions remain perilous in various regions.

During a visit to the affected areas, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez emphasized the urgency of saving lives. However, in some of the worst-hit towns following Tuesday night’s deluge, residents faced the grim reality of recovering bodies from the mud and ruins. The majority of the deaths occurred in Valencia, totaling at least 155, with additional fatalities reported in Castilla-La Mancha and a British national in Andalusia.

In Paiporta, Valencia, where a river overflowed, at least 40 lives have been lost. Local pharmacist Miguel Guerrilla described the situation as a nightmare, noting that nearly everyone knows someone who has perished. Images from the scene showed funerary services collecting bodies while vehicles swept away by floodwaters were stacked chaotically on roads.

Survivors recounted harrowing experiences of being trapped by rapidly rising waters that transformed roads into rivers; many sought refuge by climbing trees or bridges. Officials have not specified how many people are still unaccounted for but indicated that there are numerous missing persons as the death toll rose significantly on Thursday alone.

The torrential rains and subsequent flash floods primarily impacted Valencia and extended to regions like Castilla-La Mancha and Malaga. According to Spain’s meteorological agency Aemet, Chiva near Valencia experienced the equivalent of a year’s worth of rainfall within just eight hours.

As further rain alerts were issued for southern and eastern Spain on Thursday, King Felipe VI cautioned that the crisis was not yet over. Meanwhile, PM Sánchez urged citizens to seek shelter when necessary. In flood-affected regions, many individuals are now living in temporary accommodations while commencing the challenging task of clearing debris from streets and restoring their homes.

Numerous roads and rail connections linking Valencia to other parts of Spain remain obstructed. An official three-day national mourning period began on Thursday, marked by flags at half-mast and moments of silence across government buildings.

Public frustration is mounting over perceived lapses in timely warnings regarding flood risks. Criticism has emerged regarding whether disaster management agencies acted swiftly enough; alerts were only issued late on Tuesday evening after extensive flooding had already occurred for hours.

The severe weather has been classified as “unprecedented,” with climate change playing a significant role in intensifying such events. Weather experts attribute this extreme rainfall to a phenomenon known as “gota fria,” which typically affects Spain during autumn and winter months when cold air interacts with warmer Mediterranean waters. Scientists assert that rising global temperatures contribute to increased rainfall capacity within storm clouds.