Rain hits Valencia

The Valencia region of Spain has been hit hard by extreme storms. More than one year's rainfall dropped on the area in just one day.

According to the Spanish Meteorological Agency AEMET, the intense rain was started by a weather system that's known as a 'cold drop'. It takes place when cold air meets hotter air, which then quickly rises to build thick rain clouds.

Eastern and southern Spain are familiar with cold drops, due to their location between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The mountains close to the coastal areas create perfect conditions.

Over 200 people have drowned in the floods so far and the authorities have been searching for missing people. Meanwhile, helpers have started the enormous clear-up after the floods.

Paiporta is one of the most badly damaged towns. From her house opposite, Vanesa Cruanyes watched shopworkers escaping the flood waters.

Vanesa Cruanyes: "In this shop all the workers were trapped inside when the lights went. They’d pulled down the shutters and they were all trapped inside, until the glass broke in this window from the force of the water and they were able to get out to some cars that were here. They got into the cars. They managed to get a little girl and another woman up to the first floor with sheets."

As the possibility of shop break-ins grows more likely, neighbours like student Sofia Sánchez are grouping together to protect businesses.

Sofia Sanchez: "We came down at two o'clock in the morning or so, because we saw that they were looting the tobacconist's there, and we said, well, they're going into the jewellery shop, they're going to enter the Chinese shop, they're going to enter every store. And we've been taking turns."

Stormy weather's now hitting Andalucia and other regions. Meanwhile, Pedro Sánchez , the Prime Minister, has made a promise to support victims. There'll also be three days of mourning for those who have died. Weniger anzeigen