As search operations persist after Spain’s deadliest natural disaster in recent memory, the government has deployed more soldiers to the eastern region of Valencia.
On Tuesday, tsunami-like floods swept through the city’s southern outskirts, inundating numerous communities with thick mud and debris.
The death toll from the catastrophic flooding has now risen to at least 214, with dozens of individuals in the region still unaccounted for. In a televised address, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced the mobilisation of an additional 5,000 troops to aid in search and clean-up operations, supplementing the 2,500 soldiers in the area.
“This is the biggest operation by the Armed Forces in Spain during peacetime,” Sanchez stated, emphasising the government’s commitment to mobilise all necessary resources for as long as they are required.
While hopes of finding survivors diminish, there have been a few remarkable rescues. On Saturday, rescuers discovered a woman alive in a car next to her deceased sister-in-law, showcasing the ongoing efforts to save lives amidst the disaster.
Rescue teams are actively pumping water from tunnels and underground parking garages, and officials expect the death toll from the flooding to rise as operations continue. In the meantime, civilians are joining efforts to clear streets, shops, and public areas as search and rescue missions and aid distribution unfold.
The extensive clean-up operation is projected to take several weeks. The government is also expected to approve a disaster declaration on Tuesday. This declaration will facilitate quick access to financial aid for the affected communities, aiming to support their recovery after the devastating floods.
