Spain Ramps Up Flood Rescue Efforts as Emergency Teams Race Against Time

Rescue services and hundreds of soldiers are working tirelessly in south-eastern Spain to locate those still missing after recent catastrophic floods. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, currently in Valencia—one of the hardest-hit cities—has called on residents to remain indoors, pledging ongoing support to the region “for as long as necessary.”

The devastating floods have severely impacted cities like Valencia, where photos reveal streets covered in mud and debris, with vehicles piled up due to the torrent’s force. Rail services between Madrid and Valencia could be suspended for up to three weeks, as stated by Spain’s Transport Minister Óscar Puente, underscoring the extent of infrastructure damage.

The prime minister emphasized that the crisis is ongoing, echoing warnings from King Felipe VI about potential further rainfall. Sánchez urged communities to prioritize safety, stating, “Right now the most important thing is to save as many lives as possible.”

Spain has deployed over 1,000 emergency personnel to affected areas, a massive response effort aimed at both rescuing individuals and addressing the widespread damage caused by the unprecedented deluge.