Death Toll After Storms in Spain Reaches 213, Many Still Missing

Madrid, 3 Nov (ONA) --- The death toll from severe storms in the east and south of Spain today reached 213 and many people are still missing.

The emergency services in the hardest-hit Mediterranean region of Valencia said that 213 people are known to have died, the state broadcaster RTVE reported.

Severe weather continues to affect Spain's Mediterranean coast. An orange alert - the second-highest level - is in effect in parts of the Valencia region, including the province of Castellón, where heavy rainfall may occur.

Recovery efforts are now in their sixth day. The search is particularly difficult in tunnels and flooded underground or multi-storey car parks.

In the area west and south of the city of Valencia, an otherwise usually dry riverbed was turned into a raging torrent by the heavy rainfall last Tuesday and rushed towards the sea through several villages, causing severe damage.

--- Ends/Khalid