Death Toll Rises in Spain After Devastating Floods

MADRID, July 18 (Reuters) - The death toll from flash floods in southern Spain has risen to seven, regional authorities said on Monday, as rescuers searched for more than a dozen people still missing after torrential rains hit the region over the weekend.

The worst-hit area was the eastern region of Murcia, where six people died, including a 61-year-old man who was swept away by floodwaters in the town of Alhama de Murcia and a 58-year-old woman who drowned in her home in the nearby town of Totana.

In the neighboring region of Andalusia, one person died and another was missing after being swept away by a swollen river in the town of Cantillana.

The floods, caused by torrential rains that began on Saturday, have also caused widespread damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure across the region.

More than 1,000 people have been evacuated from their homes, and many roads and bridges have been closed.

The Spanish government has declared the affected areas a disaster zone and has deployed the military to help with the rescue and recovery efforts.

The floods are the worst to hit Spain in years, and they come as the country is still battling a severe drought that has left many reservoirs at dangerously low levels.

The heavy rains are a result of a cold front that moved over Spain from the Atlantic Ocean.

The front brought with it strong winds and heavy rainfall, which caused the rivers and streams in the region to overflow.

The floods have caused significant damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and buildings.

The Spanish government has declared the affected areas a disaster zone and has deployed the military to help with the rescue and recovery efforts.

The floods are a reminder of the devastating impact that climate change can have on communities around the world.

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