At least four people have died and several others remain missing after intense rainfall triggered flash floods across eastern Spain over the weekend. Emergency officials confirmed that three fatalities occurred in the Valencia region, with a fourth death reported in Catalonia. In Oliva, a 79-year-old woman was discovered inside her home, while a man suffered a fatal heart attack at a nearby campsite. Another victim drowned while swimming at a beach in Sagunto. Authorities in Catalonia also reported the death of a woman who was swept away by a swollen stream.

The storms dumped up to 700 litres of rain per square metre in parts of Valencia within a 24-hour period, overwhelming drainage systems and sweeping away vehicles. Floodwaters submerged roads and forced residents to remain indoors for several hours. Over 400 rescue operations were conducted across the Valencia region, involving both ground teams and aerial support. Military units assisted in evacuation efforts as conditions gradually improved.

The extreme weather prompted regional governments to order approximately 100 municipalities to stay indoors temporarily. Most restrictions were lifted by early afternoon as rainfall subsided and floodwaters receded. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced on social media that the government would provide full support, including personnel and resources, to aid recovery efforts.

Meteorologists noted that the intensity of the storms aligns with broader trends of increasing Mediterranean rainfall linked to climate change. Sea surface temperatures have risen during summer months, leading to greater evaporation and heavier autumn precipitation. The national weather agency AEMET confirmed that last month was mainland Spain’s hottest September on record, following the country’s warmest summer since national records began.