Floods In Southeastern Spain Leave Centenarian Dead And Prompt Dozens Of Rescues
Torrential storms across southeastern Spain trapped residents in rising waters, killing an elderly woman and forcing extensive emergency operations in an inundated community.
Heavy rainfall caused severe flooding in the southeastern Spanish town of Madrigueras on Friday, leaving a 102-year-old woman dead and forcing emergency crews to rescue 90 people.
The sudden downpour struck the municipality of about 4,000 residents in the Castile-La Mancha region. Torrential waters quickly covered streets and swept away vehicles across urban roads.
Emergency responders discovered the body of the centenarian inside her home. Regional authorities said water levels inside the residence had risen to more than three feet.
Firefighters and civil protection crews deployed across the town to assist stranded residents. The storm dumped about 140 liters of rain per square meter in a short span, flooding basements, businesses and ground-level homes.
The Spanish Civil Guard warned residents to avoid nonessential travel and urged motorists not to cross submerged areas. Regional emergency services logged more than 100 incident calls related to the floodwaters.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on social media that his government was closely monitoring the situation. He offered his condolences to the family of the woman who died and pledged support to affected neighbors.
The severe weather follows the hottest summer on record in Spain, which brought severe drought and wildfires across several regions earlier in the year.
Spain's state meteorological agency said heavy rainfall would continue across parts of eastern Spain through Sunday.
