Valencia Flash Floods: Spain's Deadliest Natural Disaster in Recent Memory

Flash floods in Valencia, eastern Spain, have resulted in at least 51 deaths as cars were swept away, streets turned into rivers, and transport lines disrupted. Over 1,000 soldiers are aiding rescue efforts. Authorities fear the death toll could rise as weather worsens.

In a catastrophic turn of events, flash floods in Spain's eastern region of Valencia have claimed the lives of at least 51 people. The disaster, considered the deadliest natural calamity to strike the nation in recent memory, saw cars swept away and streets transformed into rivers, severely disrupting transport infrastructures like highways and rail lines.

Emergency services confirmed the grim death toll on Wednesday following torrential rain and flooding on Tuesday that devastated vast areas of southern and eastern Spain. The terrifying scenes saw vehicles tossed through streets at alarming speeds, and rescue operations employed helicopters to airlift residents from submerged homes and cars.

Authorities are bracing for an increase in the death toll, with more regions expected to report casualties. Over 1,000 soldiers have been dispatched to the hardest-hit areas. Meanwhile, scientists attribute the increasing frequency of such extreme weather episodes to climate change.

(With inputs from agencies.)