Focus on the BIG picture.
Tuesday, Mar 17, 2026

Severe Flooding in Eastern Spain After Torrential Rains

Valencia and Surrounding Regions Face Destruction and Crisis Response
In the eastern region of Valencia, Spain, torrential rains have resulted in devastating flash floods, leading to the recovery of several bodies by emergency services.

Carlos Mazon, head of the regional government, confirmed the fatalities on Wednesday but withheld further details pending notification of families.

The heavy rains struck on Tuesday, significantly impacting eastern and southern Spain, flooding streets with muddy water, and causing disruptions to both rail and air travel.

Smartphones captured and Spanish TV broadcasted images of the floodwaters, which swept away vehicles and inundated buildings.

In total, at least seven individuals are missing: a truck driver in Valencia and six people in Letur, Albacete.

Extensive search efforts involving emergency workers and drones continue, as emphasized by Milagros Tolon, representative for Castilla-La Mancha, on TVE.

A crisis committee was convened by the Spanish central government on Tuesday night to manage the response.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed his concerns on social media, advising the public to stay safe and heed official guidance.

Valencia has suspended school classes, sports events, and closed parks.

Twelve flights scheduled to land at Valencia airport were diverted, and ten more were canceled, as per airport operator Aena.

ADIF, the rail infrastructure operator, halted all services in the region, including high-speed trains between Madrid and Valencia, affecting passengers until at least 10 am on Wednesday.

In Andalusia, a high-speed train derailed with 276 passengers on board; fortunately, there were no injuries.

Emergency services conducted rescues in Alora, Andalusia, where a river overflowed, using helicopters to assist some residents.

The state weather agency AEMET issued a red alert for Valencia and a high-alert for parts of Andalusia.

Flooding caused road closures in multiple areas.

Scientists note increased intensity in extreme weather, such as these storms, as a consequence of climate change.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Trump Says US Asked China to Delay Beijing Summit With Xi by ‘a Month or So’
Trump and Vice President Vance Hold Executive Order Signing Ceremony at the White House
Debate Emerges Over Potential Architectural Changes to the White House Exterior
President Trump Meets Kennedy Center Board at White House Lunch
White House Signals Possible Shift in Timing for Trump–Xi Talks
White House Signals Possible Shift in Timing for Trump–Xi Talks
Trump Administration Rule Ends License Renewals for Many Immigrant Truck Drivers
US Intelligence Assessment Says Iran’s Leadership Is Consolidating Power Despite Military Pressure
Trump Reveals White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles Diagnosed With Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Growing Doubts Among Young Americans Who Once Backed Donald Trump
Washington State Suspect Arrested Over Super Bowl Weekend Shooting That Injured Six in San Jose
Washington State Suspect Arrested Over Super Bowl Weekend Shooting That Injured Six in San Jose
Trump Warns NATO Faces ‘Very Bad’ Future Without Stronger Allied Support in Iran Conflict
UK Minister Says Britain Not Bound to Support Every Demand From U.S. President
Starmer Says UK Working With Allies on Hormuz Shipping Plan After Trump Raises Pressure
Trump Intensifies Push for European Support to Secure Strait of Hormuz
Japan and Australia Decline U.S. Call for Naval Escorts in Strait of Hormuz
Pentagon Signs $96 Million Rare Earths Supply Deal With Australia’s Lynas
Pentagon Signs $96 Million Rare Earths Supply Deal With Australia’s Lynas
Thailand Orders Return of 284 Tonnes of Illegal Electronic Waste to the United States
Trump Returns to the White House After Weekend at Mar-a-Lago, Resuming Full Presidential Schedule
White House Signals Iran Conflict Likely to Continue for Several More Weeks
Trump Appointee Floats Proposal to Replace White House Entrance Columns with More Ornate Classical Design
White House Seeks International Coalition to Secure Gulf Shipping and Stabilize Global Energy Markets
White House Seeks International Coalition to Secure Gulf Shipping and Stabilize Global Energy Markets
Immigration Data Becomes Harder to Access as Trump Administration Intensifies Deportation Campaign
Olympia Becomes First City in Washington to Enact Legal Protections for Polyamorous Relationships
Ed Davey Urges Britain to Build Fully Independent Nuclear Missile Capability
US Treasury Links British Polo Patrons to Alleged Venezuelan Oil Proceeds Laundering Scheme
Starmer and Trump Discuss Urgent Need to Reopen Strait of Hormuz Amid Escalating Iran Conflict
Trump Anticipates Historic UFC Fight Night on White House Lawn Featuring Elite Fighters
White House’s Social Media War Messaging Draws Scrutiny as Iran Conflict Intensifies
White House Softens Tone on Deportations After Minneapolis Immigration Crackdown
Latin America Faces Renewed U.S. Push for Militarized Anti-Cartel Campaign
Richard Grenell Concludes Dramatic Tenure Overhauling the Kennedy Center Under Trump’s Cultural Agenda
Temporary U.S. Waiver on Russian Oil Sanctions Sparks Debate Over Impact on Ukraine War
Flights Delayed at Washington and Baltimore Airports After Chemical Odor at Air Traffic Control Center
Mild Weekend Weather Expected Before Strong Storm System Threatens Mid-Atlantic on Monday
Inside the Transformation of The Washington Post Under Jeff Bezos
Inside the Transformation of The Washington Post Under Jeff Bezos
Trump Announces U.S. Precision Strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island, Center of Tehran’s Oil Economy
Trump Announces U.S. Precision Strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island, Center of Tehran’s Oil Economy
Washington’s Housing Crackdown on Investors Raises Fears of Market Shock
Trump Urges Britain and Allies to Deploy Warships to Safeguard Strait of Hormuz
Trump Urges Britain and Allies to Deploy Warships to Safeguard Strait of Hormuz
Australia Warned of Growing Cyber Threat as Iran-Linked Hackers Expand Attacks on US Allies
Rare March Snow Dusts Western Washington Lowlands After Sudden Cold Snap
Trump Signs Order Targeting Fraudulent ‘Made in America’ Labels to Protect U.S. Manufacturing
Trump Signs Order Targeting Fraudulent ‘Made in America’ Labels to Protect U.S. Manufacturing
White House Condemns CNN for Airing Statement From Iran’s Supreme Leader During Wartime Coverage
×