Four deaths reported after flooding in eastern Spain

Madrid, October 20 — Flooding after days of heavy rain along eastern Spain’s Mediterranean coast had killed four people by October 19 and forced tens of thousands to evacuate, according to AFP and Reuters.

Rain associated with a storm had flooded towns since the weekend, disrupting transport and trapping residents. Emergency measures were introduced in affected communities.

The Valencian Community reported three deaths. More than 100 search-and-rescue operations helped 450 people escape. Helicopters lifted residents from rooftops, inundated buildings and vehicles; others left by boat.

Local media said 800,000 residents received shelter-in-place instructions on the morning of October 19. By that afternoon, the number needing emergency shelter had fallen to 87,000 as rescue and evacuation work continued.

Catalonia reported one death. Regional president Salvador Illa said on October 19 that widespread rainfall was expected for another two days and civil protection officials would assess conditions and issue alerts.

Mediterranean islands also faced school closures and flight cancellations. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said military emergency teams were assisting local rescue efforts and pledged full central-government support.