At least 95 people have been killed, and dozens remain missing following catastrophic flash floods that swept through eastern and southern Spain on Wednesday. The floods, described by officials as “like a dam burst,” struck areas including Valencia, Malaga, and Castile-La-Mancha, where emergency services continue to search for survivors and assist stranded residents.

The disaster was triggered by a DANA (isolated high-altitude depression) weather system, which brought unprecedented rainfall — up to half a year’s worth in just hours — overwhelming rivers and drainage systems. Valencia and surrounding regions bore the brunt, with floodwaters reaching up to three meters high in some areas, sweeping away cars, damaging homes, and leaving infrastructure unusable. High-speed rail service between Valencia and Madrid was suspended after a train was derailed, though no passengers were harmed.

Emiliano García-Page, president of Castile-La-Mancha’s regional government, likened the flooding to a levee break, with people making desperate calls to emergency services. The Spanish military has been mobilized to assist, deploying helicopters and rescuing citizens from areas that remain inaccessible by road. Hundreds of residents have taken to social media to document the devastation, showing towns submerged, vehicles floating in streets, and residents stranded on rooftops.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez extended condolences and vowed full government support for the affected regions, saying, “Spain stands united with you.” However, more storms are forecast, adding urgency to the ongoing rescue efforts. The floods, Spain’s deadliest in decades, have highlighted the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events across Europe.