Flooding in Valencia and Alicante, helicopters evacuate residents
Emergency crews moved residents by helicopter after torrential rains left more than 500 l/m2 in La Safor and 651.0 l/m2 in Forna.
Heavy rains have triggered major flooding across parts of Valencia and Alicante provinces, forcing the deployment of Spain's Civil Guard and emergency services to assist affected towns and evacuate residents by helicopter.
Emergency teams focus on La Safor and Marina Alta
Officials said the hardest-hit zones are in La Safor and the northern section of Marina Alta, specifically the area between Pego, Real de Gandia, Villalonga and Barx, where more than 500 liters per square meter fell over the past 48 hours.
Emergency crews carried out helicopter transfers today to move people to safety in the worst-affected communities of Oliva and Pego.
Meteorological station data from Avamet (the acronym for the Meteorological Association of Valencia) show that in the area between Pego and Forna, more than 600 liters per square meter fell during the last 36 hours. In Forna, 651.0 liters per square meter were recorded by 06:30 this morning.
Authorities continue to monitor river levels and road conditions as rescue teams prioritise life-saving evacuations and access to shelters for those displaced by the flooding.
Photo: press material from the event
