Apple CEO Tim Cook has announced that the company will make a donation to support relief efforts following the deadly flash floods in Valencia, Spain.

At least 95 people are known to have been killed so far, and that number is likely to rise as an unknown number of people remain missing…

Deadly flash floods in Valencia, Spain

Heavy rains hit earlier in the week, causing flash flooding that ripped through homes and sent cars through streets that quickly turned into rivers.

Before and after satellite photos from the European Space Agency (above) show the extent of the devastation.

According to the Spanish weather agency Aemet, on October 29, 2024, Valencia received the equivalent of a whole year's worth of rain in just eight hours. This flood caused devastating flash floods that turned roads into rivers, destroyed homes and swept away vehicles.

These images from the US satellite Landsat-8 clearly illustrate the extent of the disaster. Pictures from October 8th and 30th show the dramatic change in the landscape.

The Guardian More than 1,000 people reportedly remain trapped on flooded roads.

The exact number of missing people remained unknown on Thursday morning. Hours after flash floods turned roads into rivers, destroyed homes and washed away cars, more than 1,200 people reportedly remained trapped on highways and stranded among about 5,000 abandoned cars. Thousands more remained without electricity or telephone service.

Defense Minister Margarita Robles told Cadena Ser radio that a military unit specializing in rescue operations would begin combing mud and debris with sniffer dogs in the worst-hit areas on Thursday.

Asked whether the number of victims was likely to rise, she said: “Unfortunately we are not optimistic.”

Further heavy rain is expected later today, which is likely to worsen the situation.

Apple donation to relief efforts

Cook tweeted Apple's support.

We are thinking of everyone affected by the devastating flash floods in the Valencia region, Spain. Apple will make a donation to support local relief efforts.

Apple typically makes unspecified donations to support relief efforts after major disasters in the United States and around the world. Earlier this month, the company did the same for those affected by Hurricane Milton in Florida.

The company does not provide any information about the amounts donated in such cases, but they are likely to be considerable.

Satellite images: ESA