Scientists long warned Spanish and EU authorities of the need to protect Valencia from floods, but masses of people received no warning until walls of water broke over their homes and workplaces.

Oct. 30 (UPI) -- Dozens are dead and many still feared missing in flash flooding to Spain's southeast in western Europe that Spain's defense minister called "unprecedented" with another European leader pointing to the "reality" of climate change. At least 72 people were dead, according to officials.

Some see the floods as an example of the effect of a changing climate that is making overwhelming downpours more common. Locals also say government warnings came too late.

Carlos Martinez, another Paiporta resident, told local television the flood alert came when he was stranded in a tree "seeing bodies floating past." Dozens of inhabitants of flooded communities told Reuters that by the time they received the regional government's alert,

Something like this has not happened in Cadaques for many, many years.” Local media has reported that the intensity of the downpour has eased, however the dramatic incident comes as communities in Valencia continue mopping up after at least 219 people died in flash flooding in the worst event of its kind in decades.

Mixed messages and confusion cost lives, dozens of local residents and experts say. More than 220 people died and nearly 80 are still missing.