The flooding occurred in the Valencia region in eastern Spain. The record-breaking heavy rainfall that fell between October 29 and 30 submerged towns, causing severe damage such as washed-away cars and bridges. According to government reports, more than 200 people have died, and hundreds are missing. Around 100,000 vehicles were reported to have been submerged, and the train service connecting Valencia to the capital, Madrid, was temporarily halted. Damage was also reported in Barcelona.

Soon after the disaster, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain visited the affected areas. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez dispatched the largest-ever deployment of military and security forces to the disaster zones to carry out rescue operations. In response to calls for disaster aid from the Valencia region, the government quickly announced the first round of support measures, including up to 10.6 billion euros in aid, and moved rapidly to initiate recovery efforts. Subsequently, an additional 2.3 billion euros was pledged for flood relief, bringing the total recovery fund to 16.6 billion euros.
At the end of November, the Spanish government approved a new paid leave policy during Cabinet meetings. This policy grants workers up to four days of paid leave in the event of a climate disaster. It is intended for situations involving natural disasters or disaster warnings, preparing for future emergencies.

Along the Mediterranean coast of Spain, a powerful cold low-pressure system known as "DANA" forms every year during the change of seasons. The recent flooding was caused by this DANA. However, in recent years, the impact of climate change has led to increased rainfall. In Paiporta, Valencia, where more than 40 people have been confirmed dead due to the flood, the increased rainfall upstream contributed to the expansion of the damage. Following the flooding in 1957, Valencia implemented flood control measures, including moving the "Turia River," which runs through the city center, to the south and increasing its flow capacity. However, the scale of this recent flood exceeded the expectations for infrastructure and disaster preparedness.

Two weeks after the heavy rains in October, in mid-November, southern Spain's Andalusia, Catalonia, and the southern part of the eastern Valencia region were hit by intense torrential downpours. In particular, in Barajas, Andalusia, one hour of rain brought the equivalent of a month's worth of rainfall. Meanwhile, in the northeastern Catalonia region, a severe water shortage led to the declaration of a state of emergency, urging citizens to limit water usage. The regional government has expressed increasing concern, calling it "the worst drought in 100 years."
The backdrop to the climate change impacts affecting Spain is believed to be the effects of global warming. An international research team investigating extreme weather events worldwide has suggested that global warming could be a factor in strengthening the low-pressure system that brought the heavy rainfall in October.

At COP29 in November 2024, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared, "Climate change is killing people." In Spain, recognizing the progress of global warming, measures have been taken to address the issue. The impact of global warming is not only being considered in terms of flooding but also in broader climate factors such as temperature fluctuations. In Barcelona, parks with a variety of trees have been planted in residential areas, and public facilities are being used as "climate shelters" to prepare for heatwaves and other climate-related events. The "Climate Change and Energy Transition Law," enacted in May 2021, sets goals for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and increasing the share of renewable energy.
The mayor of Albalat in Paiporta, one of the areas heavily affected by the October floods, said, "Reconstruction will require time and dedication." To prepare for future storms and disasters, infrastructure development is essential. In the long term, preventing global warming is also necessary. Spain’s experience is not an isolated case; it is a challenge faced by countries around the world.