The death toll from the floods in Spain this week has risen to 205, as residents in the Valencia region were warned to brace for more rain and an additional 1,000 soldiers were earmarked to help with the rescue operations.
HDN Newsroom
Authorities in Valencia raised the death toll there to 202 on Friday afternoon, bringing the overall toll to at least 205 in have been was the deadliest floods in Spain’s modern history.
The state weather agency Aemet said early on Friday that four regions, including Valencia, remained on amber alert because of the risk of rain and storms, days after rivers of mud-coloured water left a trail of devastation.
The flash floods swept away bridges, cars and streetlights. The number of missing people remains unknown. Thousands more have no access to water or reliable food, while parts of the heaviest-hit areas remain inaccessible. The piles of vehicles and debris have trapped some residents in their homes while others are without electricity or stable phone service.
Today, Friday, the concerns over those who are still struggling coalesced into a show of solidarity. Thousands of people from unaffected parts of the Valencia region – carrying shovels, food and water – turned up to offer help. Many arrived by foot, often walking several kilometres to reach the devastated areas, with roads across the region remaining blocked.
Spain’s defence minister, Margarita Robles, said a further 500 soldiers were being sent to the region and that more could be sent if needed. “Their missions include helping to dig out people who may be in basements or lower floors – unfortunately there are a lot of them – and helping to pump out water [from roads] to allow transportation so that food and water can reach certain populations.”
A mobile morgue had been deployed, along with psychologists, as well as specialised teams capable of locating bodies.
