The leader of the Valencia region announced that there have been fatalities due to flash floods caused by heavy rainfall in southeastern Spain. Carlos Mazon stated in a press release, "Bodies have been found, but out of respect for the families, we will not share further information." The heavy rain and hail affecting Spain have led to flash floods in many areas. According to officials, six people are unaccounted for in the town of Letur, east of Albacete, which has a population of less than a thousand. While the number of bodies found has not been disclosed, rescue operations are continuing throughout the night. Images shared on social media show floodwaters destroying bridges and sweeping away cars. Some videos captured people clinging to trees to avoid being swept away by the flood. It has been reported that emergency teams are having difficulty reaching some areas, and hundreds of people trapped in flood zones or searching for their loved ones have called for help to radio and television stations. Local official Milagros Tolon stated in an interview with Spanish public television TVE that emergency teams are using drones to search for missing persons in Letur. Tolon said, "Our priority is to find these people." The Spanish State Meteorological Agency AEMET has issued a red alert for the Valencia region and a second-highest level alert for some areas of Andalusia. The Valencia Municipality announced that all schools and sports events would be suspended on Wednesday and that parks would remain closed. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated on the X platform that he is following the news regarding missing persons "with concern." Sanchez urged the public to follow the authorities' recommendations, emphasizing that "unnecessary travel should be avoided."
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