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Flash floods in Madrigueras, Spain killed a 102-year-old woman and forced 90 rescues as cars were swept away and Spain issued its highest weather warning.
A 102-year-old woman has died and 90 people have been rescued following flash floods in the Spanish town of Madrigueras, about 120 miles north-west of Alicante, on Tuesday evening. The woman was found lifeless inside her home, where floodwater is said to have reached a height of more than three feet. The flash floods began at around 6pm.
Madrigueras Floods Cause Fatalities and Rescues
The flooding in Madrigueras, part of Albacete province, turned streets into fast-flowing rivers and left cars piled on top of each other in the town centre. Astonishing footage and photos published by police showed the carnage caused by the freak weather, with vehicles battered by a fast-moving river of water.
Residents looked on helpless from upper-floor balconies as streets were transformed and cars were carried away. One man was filmed trying to take refuge behind his vehicle as it was caught in a violent rush of water caused by torrential rain.
Civil Guard officers in Albacete said on X that the intense rainfall had caused flooding on urban and interurban roads. They added that the large volume of water had inundated streets and swept away vehicles.
In a warning to locals and visitors, the police force said to avoid unnecessary travel and not to cross flooded areas. Some 90 people were rescued from the floods, most of them after becoming trapped in their homes.
Regional government officials had sounded weather warnings but the scale of the flooding took locals by surprise. The scenes were said to be reminiscent of the floods in Valencia in 2024, called the dana, that claimed the lives of 232 people including British pensioners Don and Terri Turner.
Spain Issues Highest Weather Alert as Storms Hit
Spain issued its highest weather warning on Tuesday and told people to stay indoors as storms threatened popular holiday hotspots along the country's east coast. Heavy rain and storms also affected parts of the Costa Blanca last night where orange and yellow alerts were in place.
Dramatic pictures from Tortosa in Catalonia show the aftermath of yesterday's floods.
In one picture, a washing machine can be seen floating along a street fully submerged in water. Staff from a restaurant were seen cleaning debris from inside a building.
A powerful storm system battered the Baix Ebre and Montsia districts across southern Catalonia on Thursday and Friday, dropping over 200 millimeters of rain across several municipalities. Floodwaters submerged streets, low-lying residential properties, and road infrastructure following intense torrential rainfall in Tortosa, Tarragona province, Catalonia yesterday.
The warning level has been raised to red in the worst-hit areas, the highest alert issued by Spain's weather agency. Officials warned the designation is reserved for situations where there is a risk of severe impacts to both people and property.
Safety Advice and Forecast for Eastern Spain
Residents were urged to stay indoors, avoid all unnecessary travel and steer clear of flood-prone areas, underpasses and normally dry riverbeds, which can quickly fill with water during intense downpours.
Authorities also advised people to keep a close watch on vulnerable relatives and neighbours, including elderly people, children and those with disabilities.
Forecasters expect the unstable weather to continue into next week, with eastern Spain and the Balearic Islands most at risk. The recent floods in Madrigueras have left the community in shock as they deal with the aftermath of the deadly deluge.
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