Valencia Devastated by Lethal Flash Floods Amid Climate Change Warnings

Severe flash floods in Valencia, Spain have claimed at least 51 lives following torrential rains. The floods have disrupted transport and essential services, leaving many isolated. Scientists link this extreme weather to climate change and the warming Mediterranean. Emergency services face significant challenges in accessing affected areas.

In a devastating turn of events, flash floods in the eastern Spanish region of Valencia have claimed the lives of at least 51 people. Torrential rains on Tuesday overwhelmed the area, leaving roads and towns submerged, regional authorities confirmed on Wednesday.

Valencia's regional leader, Carlos Mazon, stated at a press conference that some individuals remained trapped in areas unreachable by emergency services. The inaccessibility, rather than a deficiency in resources, has been a major obstacle in these rescue operations, Mazon emphasized.

Transportation, including trains to Madrid and Barcelona, was halted, and schools and essential infrastructure in the most affected areas were closed. Spain's AEMET weather agency issued a red alert for the region. Scientists point to climate change and a warming Mediterranean Sea as factors intensifying such extreme weather events.

(With inputs from agencies.)