Madrid [Spain], November 2 (HBTV): Spain is grappling with its deadliest natural disaster in decades as catastrophic floods have claimed more than 200 lives, with the Valencia region suffering the most severe impact, according to a report by CNN.

The storm has taken at least 205 lives, with 202 fatalities reported in Valencia, regional emergency services confirmed. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue efforts continue. Authorities issued a warning on Friday, highlighting road collapses in certain areas, which have hindered access for emergency services.

The extent of the devastation in Valencia is becoming clearer, as residents report widespread damage and harrowing encounters with rapidly rising waters. In Valencia city, a courthouse has been repurposed as a temporary morgue. In the La Torre neighborhood, where floodwaters reached chest level, volunteers are searching for missing persons. On Thursday, rescue teams discovered the bodies of seven people in an underground parking garage, as reported by national broadcaster RTVE, citing police sources.

Heavy rain continued to batter parts of the country on Friday, prompting a red warning for the Huelva coast in Andalusia, where 140 millimeters (5.5 inches) of rain fell in 12 hours. Orange and yellow alerts remain in effect for isolated areas of Valencia.

In response to the disaster, Spanish President Pedro Sanchez chaired a Crisis Committee meeting to monitor the situation. Sharing a post on X, the Spanish government stated, ‘The president of the Government, Sanchez Castejon, has chaired the Crisis Committee to monitor the effects of the DANA. The Government is committed to continuing to allocate all necessary resources for as long as necessary.’

To support those affected, Spain’s Defence Ministry deployed two CH-47 Chinook helicopters from Colmenar Viejo, Madrid, carrying humanitarian supplies, including water, food rations, and clothing donated by Caritas Colmenar.

The torrential rain was likely caused by a phenomenon known as a "gota fría," or cold drop, also referred to as DANA. This occurs when a pool of cooler air in the upper atmosphere separates from the jet stream, moving slowly and leading to intense rainfall. This phenomenon is most common in autumn, according to CNN.   

(ANI)