Firefighters pump out flood water from a tunnel in Valencia. Photo: Reuters
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has ordered an additional 5,000 troops and 5,000 police officers to Valencia, where the population is criticising local authorities for their insufficient response to the devastating floods. The disaster has already claimed the lives of at least 211 people, most of them in Valencia and surrounding areas. Officials fear the death toll will rise, the BBC reports.
Heavy rains that began on Monday destroyed bridges, flooded homes and left thousands of people without water, food and electricity. Sánchez said it was the largest peaceful mobilisation of the military in Spain’s modern history. Speaking to the citizens, he acknowledged that “the government’s response is not sufficient” and highlighted serious problems and delays in the delivery of aid.
As of today, around 1,700 troops are already working on rescue operations in Valencia, but hope of finding more survivors is gradually fading. The main efforts are aimed at pumping water out of underground tunnels and car parks where it is feared that people may have been trapped.
Pedro Sánchez also promised to double the number of patrols in response to the numerous cases of looting. After more than 80 people were arrested for stealing from abandoned supermarkets, he said that the police would do everything possible to protect public order.
Local residents have criticised regional authorities for late warnings and lack of preparation for the floods. Valencia resident Amparo Andrés, who has owned a shop for over 40 years, told reporters that during the floods, the water in her building rose to neck level. “I survived, but I lost everything: my business, my home,” she said.
There are still significant power and communication disruptions in the affected areas of Spain, although government officials have reported that the energy company Iberdrola has already restored power to more than 90% of households. In addition, 100 temporary employees will be involved in organising financial assistance for the victims.
Spain’s National Meteorological Agency (Aemet) reported that Valencia received almost a year’s worth of rainfall in eight hours, which is significantly higher than normal. According to the international organisation World Weather Attribution (WWA), climate change has doubled the likelihood of such events, increasing the intensity of precipitation by 12%.
The disaster continues to threaten the southern and north-eastern regions of the country, where a warning of deteriorating weather conditions has been issued again.
