Floods in Spain leave dozens dead in its worst natural disaster in recent memory

Barcelona, ​​Spain — Spanish authorities said Wednesday that at least 51 people have died after floods swept away cars, turned village streets into rivers and disrupted rail lines and highways in the worst natural disaster to hit the European nation in recent memory.

Emergency services in the eastern region of Valencia confirmed the death toll.

Spain’s King Felipe VI said he is “devastated” by the floods, reports Agence France-Presse.

Rain caused flooding in a wide swath of southern and eastern Spain on Tuesday. Floods of mud-colored water toppled vehicles down the streets at frightening speeds. Pieces of wood swirled with household items. Police and emergency services used helicopters to lift people from their homes and cars.

Authorities reported more people missing late Tuesday, but the following morning brought the shocking news that dozens had been found dead.

Parts of the Valencia region have no electricity and phone lines were down and some areas were cut off by flooded roads, regional head Carlos Mazon told AFP.

Over 1,000 soldiers from Spain’s emergency units were deployed to the devastated areas.

“Yesterday was the worst day of my life,” Ricardo Gabaldón, mayor of Utiel, a city in Valencia, told national broadcaster RTVE. He said several people were still missing in his town.

“We were trapped like rats. Cars and garbage containers poured down the streets. The water rose to three meters,” he said.

Spain has experienced similar autumn storms in recent years, but nothing compared to the devastation of the last two days.

A high-speed train with nearly 300 people on board derailed near Malaga, although railway authorities said no one was injured. The high-speed rail link between Valencia city and Madrid was suspended, as were several commuter lines.

Valencia’s regional president, Carlos Mazón, urged people to stay at home so as not to complicate rescue efforts, as road travel is already difficult due to fallen trees and wrecked vehicles.

Spain’s central government set up an emergency committee to help coordinate rescue efforts.

The rain had eased in Valencia by late Wednesday morning, but more storms were forecast through Thursday, according to Spain’s national weather service.

Spain is still recovering from a severe drought earlier this year. Scientists say increased episodes of extreme weather are likely linked to climate change.