What's happened
Severe flooding in Spain has resulted in at least 214 deaths, with emergency services searching for victims in Valencia and Catalonia. Public anger is rising over the government's response, as thousands of soldiers and volunteers assist in cleanup efforts amid ongoing weather alerts.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Sam Jones in The Guardian, the floods have killed at least 214 people, with emergency workers searching for victims in shopping centers and garages. He notes that public anger is mounting over the government's handling of the disaster, particularly regarding the delay in issuing emergency alerts. Joseph Wilson from The Independent emphasizes the ongoing search for bodies and the extensive cleanup efforts involving thousands of volunteers and military personnel. The South China Morning Post reports on the suspension of commuter trains in Catalonia and the widespread impact of the flooding, including flight disruptions and school closures.
How we got here
Recent torrential rains, linked to climate change, have caused unprecedented flooding in Spain, particularly affecting Valencia and Catalonia. The storms have been exacerbated by a stalled jet stream and a record-hot Mediterranean Sea, leading to the deadliest flooding in recent memory.
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