In the wake of severe downpours on Tuesday, flash floods have swept across Valencia, a region in eastern Spain, claiming at least 51 lives, according to local officials on Wednesday. Social media platforms were flooded with numerous videos, where people could be seen stranded amidst the deluge, some even resorting to tree-climbing to prevent being carried away by the raging waters. Valencia’s regional leader, Carlos Mazon, expressed at a media event that there were still individuals who found themselves stranded in places that could not be reached. The authorities looking into emergencies have appealed to the populace to abstain from unnecessary road journeys and to stay informed through official channels. The Spanish national weather body, AEMET, has issued a red warning for Valencia and locations like Turis and Utiel have witnessed a recorded rainfall of 200mm. A cold front’s unrelenting showers resulted in flooded streets and towns in southern and eastern Spain on Tuesday. As a result, authorities in the regions most severely impacted have urged residents to stay indoors and to avoid all but the most critical travel.