British Couple Confirmed Dead in Spanish Floods; Disaster Death Toll Exceeds 200

Valencia, Spain – Authorities have confirmed the tragic deaths of a missing British couple who disappeared amid severe floods that have devastated Spain, resulting in over 200 fatalities.

Don Turner, 78, and his wife Terry, 74, had been missing since Tuesday when intense rainfall hit the Valencia region, leading to widespread flooding and destruction.

The couple, who had lived in a rural area near the small town of Pedralba—located about 45 minutes northwest of Valencia—had moved to Spain around a decade ago in pursuit of “sunshine and a peaceful life,” according to their daughter, Ruth O’Loughlin, who resides in Burntwood, Staffordshire. On Saturday, Ruth confirmed to BBC News that her parents’ bodies had been found inside their car, bringing an end to days of uncertainty.

Friends and neighbours initially became concerned for the Turners’ safety after the couple mentioned they were “popping out” to get gas. When the floods hit, friends went to check on their bungalow and discovered the key in the door; their dogs were unharmed inside, but there was no sign of Don or Terry. Ruth said this indicated that her parents had not returned home.

Local volunteers discovered the Turners after days of intense search efforts. Pedralba’s mayor, Andoni Leon, stated that the town hall had organised a search effort after the floods, as external assistance had not yet arrived. “Thanks to all the volunteers, we have been able to conduct much of the search ourselves,” Mayor Leon stated, adding that some residents are still unaccounted for.

The disaster has now claimed the lives of three British nationals. Last week, a 71-year-old British man died after he was rescued from his flooded home near Malaga.

The man, who was suffering from hypothermia and appeared to be having a heart attack, was initially taken to Guadalhorce Hospital and later transferred to a Malaga hospital, where he succumbed to multiple organ failure.

The Turners’ remains were found in the ruins of what was once their home, and local officials confirmed their nationalities only after the recovery was made. Additionally, local media have identified a Spanish national who died in the floods as Francisco Quesada, 44.

His neighbour, Ruth Rodriguez, reported that family and friends found Quesada’s body after she began searching for him when he did not return home. “None of the official rescue teams found him. It was us removing mud and debris,” Rodriguez told reporters.

Mayor Leon voiced his concerns about the lack of external support, revealing that Pedralba still lacks access to drinking water and that more residents remain unaccounted for. The first responders from the Military Emergencies Unit (UME), a branch of the Spanish Armed Forces, reached the town only yesterday.

Meanwhile, public frustration is mounting over what some have described as a slow government response. In scenes captured on video, King Felipe VI faced anger from survivors who threw mud and shouted at him during his visit to the affected areas. The relief efforts have drawn heavy criticism from residents who say aid has been delayed in arriving in the worst-hit areas.

A convoy of approximately 1,000 civilians left Valencia on Saturday to assist isolated communities around Valencia, carrying essential supplies and equipment to aid in clean-up operations. Many regions remain cut off, and as search efforts continue in submerged vehicles and underground car parks, officials warn that the death toll could rise further.

The disaster has underscored emergency services’ challenges in the wake of extreme weather as residents and authorities grapple with the magnitude of destruction.