Spain is in shock following devastating floods in the eastern Valencia region that have left at least 95 people dead, with numerous towns submerged under muddy waters. Heavy rainfall, described as the amount of “a year’s rain falling in just a few hours,” hit Valencia and surrounding areas on October 29. This unprecedented downpour sent torrents of water and mud coursing through streets, overturning vehicles and severely damaging homes and businesses. The floods have been marked as a once-in-a-generation disaster, and recovery efforts are underway.
The Spanish government deployed around 1,000 troops, who joined forces with local police and firefighters in searching for victims and assisting trapped residents. Emergency workers are working against the clock, trying to locate survivors and recover bodies. Streets are littered with debris, and towns like Massanassa are among the hardest hit, with scenes of devastation showing piles of overturned cars and buildings nearly buried under water and mud.
In response to the disaster, Spain has declared three days of national mourning. The government and citizens alike are coming together to remember the victims and assist affected communities.
The Spanish football federation (RFEF) announced on Thursday that multiple football matches, including Real Madrid’s highly anticipated away game against Valencia, will be postponed this weekend out of respect for the disaster’s victims. Villarreal’s match against Rayo Vallecano was also postponed. The RFEF explained, “It has been agreed to postpone matches that were to be played in professional and non-professional competitions, both in 11-a-side football and in indoor football (in the Valencia region).”
In addition to these high-profile matches, three second division games involving teams from the flooded areas were also postponed. Earlier in the week, Copa del Rey first-round games, including Valencia’s match against Parla Escuela, had already been postponed due to the unfolding disaster.
