At least four dead as torrential rain and floods hit eastern Spain; over 400 rescued in Valencia

At least four people have died after torrential rain triggered flash floods across eastern Spain, with the Valencia region worst affected, authorities and news agencies reported on Monday.

Floodwaters swept away parked cars, submerged roads and left residents stranded, some of whom had to be airlifted to safety. Security forces carried out more than 400 rescues by air and land in the Valencia region, according to the central government's representative there, Pilar Bernabe. Spain's military emergency unit was deployed to help.

Victims in Oliva and beyond

The coastal town of Oliva was among the hardest hit. Two of the dead were found there, including a 79-year-old woman in her home, AFP and Euronews reported. A man drowned at a beach in Sagunto, and in neighbouring Catalonia firefighters reported the death of a woman who fell into a stream swollen by rain.

Authorities ordered residents of around 100 municipalities to remain indoors for several hours. Most of those restrictions were lifted by early Monday afternoon as the weather improved. Some parts of the Valencia region recorded as much as 700 litres of rain per square metre in 24 hours, AFP reported. The storms also affected the Balearic Islands and Catalonia.

Government pledges support

Valencia regional president Juan Francisco Perez Llorca urged people to remain cautious while damage was assessed. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the national government would provide full support, including personnel and resources. Emergency teams were continuing to clear debris and check on residents in the worst-hit areas as the rain eased.

Scientists say climate change is intensifying the autumn Mediterranean storms that regularly strike eastern Spain. The national weather agency AEMET has said September was the hottest on record for mainland Spain, following its warmest summer.

Why it matters

The floods are a reminder of how quickly intense rainfall can overwhelm towns along the Mediterranean coast. Indian travellers and students in the region are advised to follow local authorities' guidance and weather alerts.