Death Toll From Spanish Flash Floods Rises to 223, Transport Minister Says

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Intense rainfall in Spain, attributed to the "gota fría" phenomenon, was exacerbated by climate change. The "cold drop" occurs when cold air meets warm Mediterranean waters, creating powerful storms. Warming Mediterranean waters hold more moisture, increasing the potential for catastrophic downpours, according to scientists.
Sputnik
The death toll from flash floods and torrential rains in Spain has risen to 223, while a further 78 people remain missing, Spanish Transport Minister Oscar Puente said on Friday.
"A total of 223 people died, including 215 in Valencia, 7 in Castile-La Mancha (6 in Letur and 1 in Mira) and 1 in Andalusia," Puente said on social media.
Of the deceased, 48 are yet to be identified.
Blindsided Residents in Flood-Hit Towns in Spain Decry Delayed Warnings
In late October, heavy rains affected various regions of Spain. The southern and eastern parts of the country, where the weather hazard level was raised to the maximum, were particularly hard-hit. The natural disasters caused significant damage to roads in Valencia, the most affected region in eastern Spain.