Spain Deploys 10,000-Strong Rescue Force as Valencia Floods Claim 211 Lives

Spain’s central government has announced that it will send another 10,000 soldiers and police to help flood victims in Valencia. After being heavily criticized for delaying help

Foreign news agencies report that Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez of Spain issued an order on Saturday, November 2, 2024, to 5,000 soldiers and 5,000 police and civil defense personnel to reinforce personnel in the eastern region of Valencia after citizens criticized local authorities in salty that it is slow to provide support

Mr Sanchez said the death toll from the massive flooding in the eastern region since the start of last week has risen to at least 211, making it Spain’s biggest peacetime location. to deal with one of the worst floods in Europe this century.

Volunteers set up tables to donate food supplies. in Benetousser Valencia Region

Incidentally, heavy rains began to fall in Spain from Monday, October 28, 2024, causing severe flooding in several areas in the east of the country. Bridges were cut off, and cities were covered by mud carried by the tide. Many communities were cut off. Villagers have to live without food, water and electricity.

The local government of Valencia is under intense attack from citizens. that the warning was delayed causing many deaths from the local civil defense office Flood warnings were sent to people’s phones at 8:00pm on Tuesday, but by then a number of areas were already flooded.

The central government in Madrid was also criticized for not sending troops to help sooner. and rejected the French government’s offer to send 200 personnel to assist with search and rescue operations

Mr Sanchez admitted that the officers’ response was insufficient. There are many glitches and problems occurring. Although there are still people who are worried and want to find their loved ones. Those who cannot return home Those whose homes were destroyed or buried in mud The officers must do better than this.

The Spanish weather warning will remain in force in the north-east. and the southern region of the country went on Sunday, November 3, and a new warning was issued to the Balearic Islands on Saturday as well.

Alfafar people in the Valencia area Help clean up the damaged remains.

Before Sanchez’s latest order, about 1,700 troops were assisting local officials in search and rescue operations. in the Valencia area But hopes of finding a survivor are gradually decreasing. Officials are now focusing on pumping water out of the underground tunnels. and various car parks that people may be trapped inside

The order of Mr. Sanchez allows the dispatch of heavy machinery, bulldozers and trucks. in high demand Go strengthen the Valencia region. To speed up rescue operations

The Prime Minister of Spain also said that Authorities have now restored power to more than 90% of homes and restored almost half of the telephone systems. More than 100 temporary officers have also been sent to help with the distribution of financial aid.

In terms of dealing with helpers who had a chance of flooding stealing things from shops and houses. Sanchez said that Mr Bydda will double the vigilance of civil servants and the police. So far, more than 80 criminals have been arrested.