Spain hit by devastating floods; At least 158 dead, several missing
Valencia: Flash floods in Spain have resulted in the tragic loss of at least 158 lives, with numerous individuals still missing. Over 1,000 soldiers from Spain’s emergency response unit have been deployed to the hardest-hit areas.
Cars are stacked upon each other, resembling fallen dominoes, while uprooted trees, downed power lines, and debris litter the streets, which are engulfed in mud in Valencia, located south of Barcelona on the Mediterranean coast, reported the Associated Press on Friday.
Luís Sánchez, a welder, recounted the harrowing experience of witnessing bodies floating in the water and attempting to rescue those trapped in their vehicles on the flooded V-31 highway. "The firefighters took the elderly first when they could get in. People were crying all over; they were trapped," he told the news organisation.
The floods transformed narrow streets into treacherous traps, destroying homes and businesses, and sweeping away people, cars and everything else in its path. Bridges have been destroyed, and roads are now unrecognisable.
In a televised address, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed solidarity with those affected, stating, "All of Spain weeps with all of you. We won't abandon you." He emphasised that the disaster is not over and pledged to mobilise all necessary resources for this tragedy.
This flood marks one of Spain’s deadliest natural disaster since 1973, when approximately 150 people lost their lives in the southeastern provinces of Granada, Murcia, and Almería.
Scientists warn that extreme weather events like the storm that struck Valencia are becoming increasingly severe, prolonged, and frequent due to human-induced climate change.
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London, Nov 22: A bomb disposal squad deployed as a “precaution” to the South Terminal of Gatwick Airport concluded an investigation into a "security incident" on Friday after making a “suspect package” safe.
The South Terminal of Gatwick Airport, the UK's second busiest airport after Heathrow, which was briefly shut owing to the incident reopened following the incident.
The Gatwick is around 45 km south of London.
Two people detained during the enquiries have since been allowed to continue their journey as the airport was opened.
“Police have concluded their investigation into a report of a suspect package at Gatwick Airport. Officers from the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team made the package safe, and the airport has been handed back to its operator,” Sussex Police said in an updated statement.
“Two people detained while enquiries were ongoing have subsequently been allowed to continue their journeys. There will remain an increased police presence in the area to assist with passengers accessing the South Terminal for onward travel,” the statement added.
Earlier on Friday, the incident caused severe disruption at the busy airport’s South Terminal, while the North Terminal of Gatwick Airport remained unaffected.
“Police were called to the South Terminal at Gatwick Airport at 8.20 am on Friday (November 22) following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage,” a Sussex Police statement said.
“To ensure the safety of the public, staff and other airport users, a security cordon has been put in place whilst the matter is dealt with. As a precaution, an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team is being deployed to the airport. This is causing significant disruption and some roads around the South Terminal have been closed. We’d advise the public to avoid the area where possible,” it said.
Footage on social media taken outside the airport showed crowds of frustrated travellers being moved away from the terminal building.
Gatwick said it was working hard to resolve the issue.
“A large part of the South Terminal has been evacuated as a precaution while we continue to investigate a security incident," the airport said in a social media post.
“Passengers will not be able to enter the South Terminal while this is ongoing. The safety and security of our passengers and staff remain our top priority. We are working hard to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.”
Train and bus services that serve the airport were also impacted while the police carried out their inquiries.
In an unrelated incident in south London on Friday morning, the US Embassy area in Nine Elms by the River Thames was the scene of a controlled explosion by Scotland Yard dealing with what they believe may have been a “hoax device”.
“We can confirm the 'loud bang' reported in the area a short time ago was a controlled explosion carried out by officers,” the Metropolitan Police said in a post on X.
“Initial indications are that the item was a hoax device. An investigation will now follow. Some cordons will remain in place for the time being but the majority of the police response will now be stood down,” it added.
