Türkiye offers condolences to Spain over flash flood deaths
Residents walk among debris on a rail track following flood in Picanya, near Valencia, eastern Spain, on October 30, 2024. (AFP Photo)
Türkiye on Wednesday expressed condolences to Spain after catastrophic flash floods in the southeast of the country left dozens dead.
A statement from the Turkish Foreign Ministry conveyed Türkiye’s deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the Valencia region. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives caused by the recent floods in Valencia and its vicinity. We extend our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and the people of Spain,” the statement read.
Death toll continues to climb in Valencia region
The floods, sparked by torrential rains, have claimed 62 lives so far, according to provisional data reported by Spain’s Interior Ministry’s Center for Integrated Operational Coordination.
The storm, considered the worst in over a century, caused rivers to burst their banks and spawned tornadoes, leading to widespread devastation.
The death toll from floods sparked by torrential rains in Spain’s eastern Valencia region has climbed to 62, emergency services said on Wednesday.
“New toll produced by the various security and emergency forces: provisional figure of 62 fatal victims,” the body that coordinates the region’s emergency services wrote on X.
Emergency efforts ongoing as residents await rescue
As rivers overflowed, trapping hundreds of people, rescue operations have been hampered by severe conditions. Local emergency services have been overwhelmed, and authorities continue to urge residents to avoid travel and seek high ground.
A specific phone line has been opened for missing persons, while much of northeastern Spain remains on alert for further heavy rains.
Spain’s PM Sanchez pledges support
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez addressed the nation, stating the government’s commitment to help flood victims. “We won’t abandon you,” he promised in a televised address, as the death toll climbed to 62.
Emergency services continue to struggle to access hard-hit areas.
