At least 51 people are killed in flash floods in the Spanish region of Valencia

LA ALCUDIA, Spain: At least 51 people have died in flash floods that ravaged the eastern Spanish region of Valencia after heavy rains on Tuesday (Oct 29) inundated roads and towns, local authorities said on Wednesday.

Dozens of videos shared on social media overnight appeared to show people trapped in floodwaters, with some climbing trees to avoid being swept away.

Carlos Mazon, the regional leader of Valencia, told a news conference that some people remained isolated in inaccessible locations.

“If emergency services have not arrived, it is not due to a lack of resources or aptitude, but to an access problem,” Mazon said, adding that reaching certain areas was “absolutely impossible.”

Emergency services in the region urged citizens to avoid any form of road travel and monitor further updates from official sources.

Trains to the cities of Madrid and Barcelona were canceled due to the flooding, and schools and other essential services were suspended in the worst-hit areas.