Vehicle Swept Away In Valencia Torrential Flood, One Person Dead As Emergency Crews Search Area

Valencia, Spain— A localized torrential flood swept away a vehicle in Valencia on November 1, 2026, killing one person after intense rain turned a dry ravine into a fast-flowing torrent.

The flood hit around 4 p.m. near the town of Requena, west of Valencia city. A cold drop, known locally as DANA, dumped more than 80 millimeters of rain in one hour. Water rushed down a normally dry barranco and crossed a secondary road.

The driver, a man in his 50s, was attempting to cross a flooded ford when the current pushed the car sideways. Witnesses said the vehicle was dragged about 100 meters and then submerged. Bystanders called emergency services but could not reach the car.

Civil Protection and firefighters found the vehicle lodged against a bridge pillar two hours later. The driver was dead inside. The car was half-filled with mud. A crane was needed to pull it from the water.

"The water came very fast. In this area, floods are sudden. We advise never to cross flooded fords, but some drivers try," a Civil Protection official said at the scene. He said three other vehicles were stranded but occupants were rescued.

Valencia region has a history of deadly flash floods. Last year's DANA killed more than 200 people in the province. Since then, authorities installed new warning signs and sensors, but many rural crossings remain unprotected.

The regional emergency agency, 112 Comunitat Valenciana, issued an orange alert for more storms overnight. Schools in several municipalities suspended afternoon activities. Farmers reported damaged vineyards and washed-out tracks.

The victim's body was taken to Valencia's forensic institute for autopsy. His family was notified Saturday evening. Officials did not release his name pending formal identification.

Firefighters pumped water from several basements and garages nearby. The road where the incident occurred remained closed late Saturday as debris was cleared and engineers checked the bridge.

Authorities urged residents to avoid driving through flooded areas and to check weather alerts before traveling. The DANA is expected to move eastward by Sunday morning.