Irish tourists affected by major floods in Spain as death toll surpasses 150

Spain is reeling from its worst flooding in decades, after a year’s worth of rain fell in just hours this week in the country’s southern and eastern regions.

The storm began on Tuesday and has so far killed at least 158, according to authorities in the worst-hit region Valencia, while dozens more remain missing. It has also flooded towns and roads, caused rivers to burst their banks and left thousands without power or running water.

Crews are searching for bodies in stranded cars and buildings as people tried to salvage what they could from their ruined homes following flash floods in Spain that claimed at least dozens of lives.

President Michael D. Higgins, wrote to King Felipe VI of Spain to "express the people of Ireland’s condolences to all those who have been affected by the terrible tragedy".

“On behalf of the people of Ireland, may I express my deepest condolences to the families of all those who have lost their lives in the devastating floods which have occurred in Spain," President Higgins said.

"May I further express my solidarity with the emergency services and other rescue workers who continue to work to save lives and provide vital assistance in the areas affected. All those who have been impacted by these terrible floods, and all those working around the clock to help them, will remain in our thoughts over the coming days.”

Hundreds of Irish tourists are reportedly staying in the areas affected, with the Department of Foreign Affairs saying they are "aware of the incident".

"The Department, including the Irish Embassy in Madrid, is monitoring the situation and stands ready to provide consular assistance," A Department spokesperson said.

"Irish citizens are advised to follow the advice of local authorities. Any Irish citizens who require consular assistance are advised to contact the Irish Embassy in Madrid on +34 914364093".

More flooding reported in Spain today, this time a little further North of Valencia. https://t.co/Gf4udLwlO8

— Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) October 31, 2024

Spain’s worst natural disaster this century left a trail of destruction and fears that more horrors will be uncovered from the layers of mud that walls of water left in their wake late on Tuesday and early Wednesday.

An unknown number of people remain missing.

“Unfortunately, there are dead people inside some vehicles,” said Spain’s transport minister Oscar Puente.

The widespread damage recalled the aftermath of a hurricane or tsunami.

Cars piled on one another like fallen dominoes, uprooted trees, downed power lines and household items all mired in mud that covered streets in dozens of communities in the hardest-hit region of Valencia, where at least 92 people died.

Rushing water turned narrow streets into death traps and spawned rivers that tore through homes and businesses, sweeping away cars, people and everything else in its path. The floods demolished bridges and left roads unrecognisable.

More than 1,000 soldiers from Spain’s emergency rescue units joined regional and local emergency workers in the search for bodies and survivors. The soldiers had recovered 22 bodies and rescued 110 people by Wednesday night.

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