RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have extended their condolences to King Felipe VI of Spain in the aftermath of catastrophic flash floods that have ravaged the country’s southeastern region, resulting in extensive loss of life and leaving many unaccounted for.
In separate cables to the Spanish monarch, both Saudi leaders expressed heartfelt condolences and deep sympathy to the Spanish people, the families of the victims, and those affected, offering their hopes for the safe return of the missing.
The flash floods, which occurred late Tuesday and into Wednesday, have claimed at least 158 lives, with 155 fatalities recorded in the Valencia region alone.
Spain, which has endured nearly two years of drought, saw its hardened ground unable to absorb the intense rainfall, causing severe flash floods that left vehicles and buildings inundated.
Search and rescue operations continued on Thursday as crews combed through stranded cars and flooded homes for victims.
“Unfortunately, there are dead people inside some vehicles,” Spain’s Transport Minister Oscar Puente stated earlier, as the death toll spiked from 95 on Wednesday night.
Authorities warn that more victims may still be discovered as rescue efforts proceed.
