NASA has released satellite images showcasing the extent of devastation in Valencia, Spain, following catastrophic floods that took the lives of hundreds.
In late October, heavy torrential rains struck southern and eastern Spain, particularly affecting the river basins of Magro, Turia, and Poyo. The storms unleashed torrents of muddy water, turning village streets into rivers, destroying homes, and sweeping away bridges and vehicles. Over 200 people have been reported dead, with thousands forced to evacuate their homes, and many still missing.
Valencia's coastal region was especially hard-hit, receiving a year’s worth of rainfall within just eight hours. Images captured by NASA's Landsat 8 satellite vividly illustrate the scale of the disaster, with the first image taken on October 25, 2022, and the second on October 30, 2024, just a day after the storm.
According to meteorologists, the deluge was caused by a low-pressure system that became isolated from the jet stream. Such storm systems occur where cold fronts collide with warm, moist air masses, like those over the Mediterranean Sea. These storms can remain relatively stationary before dissipating, which exacerbates rainfall amounts.
As of November 10, 219 people are considered victims of the floods, with another 93 officially reported missing. The total extent of damages is still unknown, but insurance companies estimate that compensation costs could reach at least €3.5 billion. To address the aftermath, the Spanish government has approved a relief package amounting to €10.6 billion, nearly one percent of the country's GDP.