Spain declares national mourning as flood death toll climbs to 72

MADRID, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Spanish government declared three days of official mourning on Wednesday as the death toll from devastating flash floods rose to 72 in the eastern region of Valencia and the neighboring provinces of Albacete and Cuenca.

Exceptionally heavy rainfall, totaling over 400 liters per square meter, flooded parts of Valencia and the provinces of Albacete and Cuenca within just a few hours between Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning.