Cold Wave Hits Spain, 4 Dead from Snowstorm for the First Time in 50 Years

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] At least four people have died as Spain experiences its worst cold wave in history, accompanied by heavy snowfall not seen in 50 years. Sudden heavy snow has led to road and airport closures, and houses buried in snow, prompting military units to assist in rescuing residents trapped in isolated areas.

According to foreign media including the AP News, on the 9th (local time), heavy snowfall accumulating up to 50 cm over 24 hours began across Spain, including the capital Madrid, resulting in at least four fatalities so far. More than 650 roads across Spain remain closed, and over 1,000 vehicles are still stranded on roads leading from Madrid to Castilla-La Mancha and Andalusia, raising concerns about further damage.

So far, heavy snow warnings have been issued in 36 out of Spain's 50 provinces, with the highest alerts declared in Madrid, Aragon, Valencia, Castilla-La Mancha, and Catalonia. Marking the worst snowfall since 1971, Barajas Airport in Madrid was closed late the previous night, and all trains to and from Madrid have been canceled. Schools in Madrid and some other areas have been ordered to close until the 12th. The Spanish professional football La Liga match between Atl?tico Madrid and Athletic Bilbao, scheduled for 3 p.m. that day, was also postponed due to the heavy snow.

Spain has been suffering from severe cold and heavy snow since Storm 'Filomena' struck. Filomena brought heavy rain and strong winds to the southern coastal regions and the Spanish Canary Islands. Local governments are mobilizing all administrative resources, including military forces, to clear snow from roads and rescue people trapped in the snow.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.