ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday expressed solidarity with Spain as flash floods triggered by torrential rains killed at least 62 people in the country, local authorities said.
Heavy rains triggered floods in southern and eastern Spain on Tuesday, with footage on social media showing cars being swept away by raging waters.
Over 1,000 soldiers from Spain’s emergency response units have been deployed in affected areas to coordinate rescue efforts, Spanish media reports said.
“On behalf of the people and government of Pakistan, I extend our deepest sympathies and solidarity to the people of Spain and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez following the tragic floods and loss of life,” Sharif wrote on social media platform X.
“Pakistan stands in solidarity with friendly people of Spain at this challenging time.”
Spain’s Valencia has been the hardest-hit province in the country. Emergency services in the province urged citizens to avoid any road travel and to follow further updates from official sources.
As the crisis looms, Sánchez said the government would not abandon those affected by the floods.
“All of Spain weeps with all of you,” he said during a televised address. “Our absolute priority is to help you… We won’t abandon you.”
Pakistan is ranked consistently as one of the world’s worst affected countries due to climate change effects. Heavy monsoon rains in 2022 killed over 1,700 people and caused damages over $30 billion to the South Asian country.
