Additional Coverage:
Tragic Flooding Devastates Valencia, Spain
The death toll from the catastrophic flooding in Valencia, Spain, has reached 211, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced. The search continues for survivors and bodies in devastated towns and cities.
Sánchez acknowledged the severity of the situation, describing it as the most serious flooding in Europe this century. He deployed 10,000 soldiers and police to assist with the response.
Rescuers have performed thousands of rescues and helped over 30,000 people, but the magnitude of the disaster has overwhelmed their efforts. Videos show streets covered in mud and debris, with overturned cars and destroyed property.
The flooding began on Tuesday after heavy rains, inundating the Valencia region with a year’s worth of rainfall in just eight hours. At least 69 municipalities have been affected, with bridges collapsed, roads washed out, and train tracks destroyed.
Amid criticism over the government’s response, Sánchez admitted that it was insufficient. President of the Valencia region, Carlos Mazon, described the situation as the worst moment in their history. The community faces a daunting challenge, but they vow to overcome it together.