Valencia flood death toll rises to 52 as elderly woman found dead

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An 88-year-old woman has been found dead amidst horror floods in Valencia.

The death toll has risen to 52 following the grim discovery as the region on the east coast of Spain was battered by torrential rain caused huge flash floods between Valencia and Malaga.

Churning muddy waters have swept through villages and turns leading to dozens of cars piling up on streets and residents becoming trapped in their homes. Terrifying footage has shown waters several-feet high engulfing communities and sweeping away vehicles. Towns worst affected in the Valencia region include Torrent, Paiporta, and Chiva where surges of muddy water were reported.

The freak weather also sparked a number of destructive tornadoes which ripped through the region, The Mirror reports.

One twister, of unknown strength, was seen in the Benifaio area of the eastern city. Another is feared to have hit a main road, amid heavy rain in the region.

This morning Valencia president Carlos Mazon said it was "impossible" to provide an exact figure of the number of victims as he delivered an emotional statement.

Taking to X, he said: “These are very difficult times for relatives and missing persons.

“In the next few hours we will confirm the number of victims, but right now it is still impossible to provide an exact figure. We are dismayed. We reiterate the importance of NOT travelling by road, both in the province of Valencia and in Castellón.”

Utiel Mayor Ricardo Gabaldon earlier expressed to RTVE the dire situation with multiple residents trapped within their homes. Helicopter rescue operations have been undertaken by police and emergency teams to evacuate individuals from residential areas and vehicles.

The Mirror previously reported that around 1,000 Spanish armed forces from an emergency rescue brigade are actively assisting the rescue efforts. Authorities have also alerted citizens that local drinking water supplies might be compromised due to the floods.

Authorities in Spain have had to address rumours that residents have been evacuated, amidst online rumours that a town was "emptied".

False claims were made online saying L'Horta Sud was emptied of people. However an official shared online: “Please, let us not be part of hoaxes.

“It is important to follow the information through official channels. No town is being evacuated.”

The King of Spain also posted his condolences to the families to the dozens of people killed in the flood waters.

King Felipe VI said on X: “Devastated by the latest news. Our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the more than 50 deceased. Strength, courage and all the necessary support for all those affected.

“Our warmest message and recognition to local and regional authorities and all emergency services, Armed Forces and State Security Forces and Corps for the titanic work they have been doing from the very beginning.”

Top Spanish football clubs have paid their respects to victims of the tragic events. La Liga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid were amongst clubs who sent messages of support.

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Valencia CF said: “Valencia CF would like to send its sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who died.

“Much strength to all the neighbours and affected populations and to the groups that are working on the prevention and consequences of the effects of the storm.

“The Club is at the disposal of the authorities and the affected municipalities to help in any way possible.”

Real Madrid added: “Real Madrid C. F., the club's president and the Board of Directors would like to extend their condolences to the families and loved ones of the people who have lost their lives as a result of the storm that has hit many areas of our country, especially in the provinces of Valencia and Albacete.

“Real Madrid is deeply saddened and expresses its solidarity with all the people affected by this catastrophe, to whom it conveys all its full support and sympathy.”

Barcelona added: “FC Barcelona wishes to express its sympathy to the relatives of the victims and our solidarity with the counties in Valencia and parts of Albacete and Andalusia affected by the torrential rain.”

Are you currently in the Valencia region and affected by the floods? Contact reporters@dailyrecord.co.uk

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