Spain – Floods in South East Leave 6 Dead, Thousands Evacuated

At least 6 people have now died as a result of the severe weather in south-eastern Spain.

Floods in San Javier, Murcia, Spain in September 2019. Photo: Ejercito del Aire

Torrential rainfall began on 11 September, 2019. By 13 September some areas of Valencia region had seen over 400mm of rain. Rivers broke their banks in several locations, in particular Ontinyent, Orihuela and Moixent.

The severe weather has continued since then and media report that 6 people have now died and 3,500 evacuated, including 2,000 residents of the town of Santomera in Murcia as a precaution due to a controlled release from a local dam.

Roads and schools have been closed as well as Murcia and Almeria airports. Fatalities were reported in Caudete in Albacete province, Almería, La Jámula in Granada and 2 people died in Orihuela.

The most affected areas include Valencia, Alicante, Murcia, Albacete, Almería and Malaga provinces along with parts of the Balearic Islands. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez visited some of the affected areas on 14 September.

More than 1,100 military personnel were deployed to assist flood-hit communities.

Flood rescues and evacuations in South East Spain, September 201. Photo: Exercito Tierra

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