The Spanish government is deploying an additional 10,000 soldiers and police to the flood-ravaged Valencia region, where the death toll has reached 211 amid ongoing rescue efforts. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez noted the tragic situation, especially in the small town of Paiporta, which has seen 62 fatalities. Thousands of volunteers are aiding recovery operations, but many areas still face shortages of basic necessities. A recent rescue in Moncada brought hope, as a woman was saved after being trapped in her car for three days.
The Spanish government is deploying an additional 10,000 soldiers and police officers to the flood-devastated region of Valencia. The death toll continues to rise, but there is also some positive news from Valencia.
In Spain, the number of fatalities has increased following the severe storms, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stating after an emergency meeting that there are now 211 confirmed deaths, primarily in the Mediterranean region of Valencia. Unfortunately, this number is expected to grow, as reports of numerous missing persons persist, according to Sánchez.
The Prime Minister is sending another 5,000 soldiers and 5,000 police officers to the flood-affected areas around Valencia to expedite rescue and recovery efforts. This operation marks the largest deployment of the Spanish military in peacetime. Around 2,000 military personnel and thousands of police officers are already on the ground aiding in the rescue operations.
The small town of Paiporta near Valencia has become the epicenter of the flooding tragedy, reporting 62 deaths.
Thousands of Volunteer Helpers
Sánchez described the situation in the disaster area as dramatic, stating, “We are likely talking about the most severe floods that our continent has experienced this century.” In light of criticism regarding the delayed activation of the warning system and the initial lack of assistance in numerous locations, he urged everyone to put aside their differences. “Together, we will overcome this,” he expressed.
According to media reports, approximately 15,000 volunteers have rallied in Valencia, coordinated by the regional government, providing assistance to affected areas in shifts using buses. The overwhelming willingness to help led authorities to advise residents not to drive into the disaster zones to keep the roads clear for emergency responders.
In Paiporta alone, 62 lives have been lost due to the flooding, with many still reported missing.
Rescue After Three Days in a Car
Many villages remain coated in a layer of mud deposited by the overflowing rivers. The streets are cluttered with stacked cars, furniture, and various household items. Authorities have reported that electricity supply in the Valencia region has largely been restored, although many areas still lack food, drinking water, tools, and functioning telecommunications networks.
Three days after the storms, in the municipality of Moncada, there was a glimmer of hope. Rescue teams successfully saved a woman from a car, as announced by Martín Pérez, the president of Civil Protection in Valencia, amidst applause from staff.
According to local newspaper Las Provincias, the woman had been trapped for three days beside the body of her sister-in-law in the vehicle in the community of Benetússer, south of the city. Rescuers heard her cries while clearing cars that were stranded in a tunnel. She was subsequently taken for medical evaluation.
Temporary Morgue Set Up
A temporary morgue covering 1,300 square meters has been established at the Valencia fairgrounds. Here, the deceased will be brought for autopsies. Relatives must wait until they receive a call before they can enter the morgue, said Nuria Montes, a member of the regional government. Her tone led to accusations of lacking empathy, prompting her to apologize.
Storm Moves Over Mallorca
Parts of the storm phenomenon known as ‘Cold Drop,’ responsible for the devastating rains, moved over the Balearic Islands yesterday. Mallorca faced heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, causing rising river levels and perilous conditions. Fire services responded nearly 90 times in Mallorca and once on the neighboring island of Menorca, according to the news agency Europapress.
However, this morning the weather service Aemet issued an all-clear: there are no longer any warning levels for the island group. Previously, the orange alert had been in effect.
Satellite Images
Flooding of the Albufera Lagoon
This topic was reported on the news on November 2, 2024, at 17:00.