Spain Flash Floods: Scenes From the Deluge

Flash flooding across Spain killed at least 158 people this week after torrential rain left towns and villages submerged and turned streets into rivers in the eastern and southern parts of the country. In some areas, several months’ worth of rain fell in a single day.

Since Monday, when the deluge began, residents in affected areas have struggled to clear mud and tree-covered streets. Cars and trucks were swept away and dumped in piles, blocking roads. Rescuers have carried out evacuations by helicopter and boat, and wide swaths of the country have been left without electricity.

Most of the deaths occurred in the region of Valencia, on Spain’s eastern coast. With roads impassable and bridges broken, some communities were completely cut off.

The death toll is expected to rise as some people are still missing, and more rain is forecast.

Thursday

Valencia

Lining up to collect water from a broken pipe. The floods left widespread damage to infrastructure.

Valencia

Rescuers conducting search operations via helicopter.

Valencia

A supermarket ravaged by the floods.

Valencia

Cleaning up a store covered in mud.

Wednesday

Valencia

A mudslide on a flooded street.

Albacete

Rescuing an injured person from the debris.

Valencia

Preparing to spend the night in a restaurant converted into an emergency shelter.

Teruel

A resident washing a broom after cleaning his flood-damaged home.

Valencia

Soldiers examining a van that was tossed into a building by floodwaters.

Malaga

Cleaning out mud and water from an inundated home.

Valencia

Rail tracks undermined and littered with debris after the flood.

Valencia

Checking messages after alerts were sent out to avoid travel.

Tuesday

Valencia

Raging floodwaters carrying off cars and leaving buildings gutted.