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The Leader, Valencia region, Carlo Mazon said on Wednesday that several bodies have been recovered following severe flooding in south-eastern Spain.
Mazon told the press that, “Dead bodies have been found, but out of respect for the families, we are not going to provide any further data."
The region has been significantly hit by torrential rain and hailstorms which had led to flash floods in several areas.
Six individuals are reported missing in Letur, a small town in Albacete with a population under 1,000.
The exact number of bodies recovered has not been disclosed, but rescue operations are ongoing and continuing throughout the night.
Radio and television stations are reportedly inundated with calls from those trapped in flooded regions or searching for missing relatives, as emergency services struggle to reach some locations.
Drones are being deployed to search for the missing in Letur, as confirmed by local official Milagros Tolon on Spanish public television.
Spain’s state weather agency AEMET has issued a red alert for the Valencia region and a secondary alert for parts of Andalusia.
Valencia city council has announced the suspension of all schools and sporting events on Wednesday, with parks also remaining closed.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed concern over the missing individuals in a post on X, urging citizens to heed the authorities’ advice and avoid unnecessary travel.
