Storm Dana: Flash floods claim 51 lives, disrupt transport networks in Spain

Flash floods across eastern and southern Spain have caused significant disruption, with several individuals reported missing, and train services halted. 

For this reason, a red alert was issued to the public for heavy rainfall as unfavourable weather conditions are expected to continue.

On October 29, Spanish authorities confirmed that at least 51 people died following intense flash floods caused by Storm Dana that swept vehicles through village streets and interrupted rail services across extensive areas, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

A high-speed train carrying nearly 300 passengers derailed near Málaga, though rail officials reported that no injuries occurred. The flooding has also led to the suspension of high-speed train services between Valencia and Madrid, alongside disruptions to various commuter lines in the affected regions.

📲Desde el inicio del #temporaldeLevante #Dana ayer hasta esta tarde se han recibido medio millar de llamadas al teléfono de emergencias 112.

📹Imágenes de la dimensión del temporal en muchas zonas de la comarca Utiel-Requena, donde la fuerza del agua ha arrastrado a su paso… pic.twitter.com/cN4uBt9egy

— Emergències 112CV (@GVA112) October 29, 2024

The State Meteorological Agency has declared a red alert for heavy rainfall in the Valencian Community, where floodwaters caused a bridge to collapse in Picanya.

Areas such as Turís and Utiel recorded approximately 200 litres of rain per square metre, while many localities in the southern and eastern parts of the country experienced over 100 litres of rain on October 29 alone, according to official reports. Authorities have warned that these adverse weather conditions are set to persist, urging residents to remain vigilant.

Spain has encountered similar autumn storms in recent years. Following a severe drought earlier this year, the country has benefited somewhat from recent rainfall. Most climate scientists attribute the increase in extreme weather events to climate change.

By Aghakazim Guliyev