Spain deploys 5,000 additional troops to tackle flood aftermath

Calling the floods “the worst natural disaster in our country’s recent history” and the second deadliest in Europe this century, Sánchez said, “There are still dozens of people looking for their loved ones and hundreds of households mourning the loss of a relative, a friend or a neighbour. I want to express our deepest love to them and assure them that the government of Spain and the entire state, at all its different administrative levels, is with all of them.”

People clean the street of mud in an area affected by floods in Paiporta, a town in the region of Valencia, Spain, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

The disaster has become Europe’s worst flood-related tragedy since 1967, when at least 500 people died in Portugal.

Hopes of finding survivors rose when rescuers discovered a woman alive after being trapped for three days in a car park in Montcada, Valencia. Local residents cheered as civil protection chief Martín Pérez shared the news.

Meanwhile, volunteers gathered at Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences centre for the first coordinated clean-up organised by regional authorities. The centre has become the main hub for recovery efforts.

Volunteers return from helping affected municipalities four days after flash floods swept away everything in their path in the town of Paiporta, the epicentre of the storm, outskirts of Valencia, Spain, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024.(AP Photo/Angel Garcia)

The Prime Minister announced that power has been restored to 94% of homes affected by the floods, with repairs to phone lines scheduled for the weekend. Acknowledging widespread public anger over the delayed emergency alert from the Valencian government, Sánchez admitted the current relief efforts were inadequate, highlighting the severe problems and shortages in devastated areas where residents are searching for missing relatives.

The recent flash floods, attributed to torrential rains linked to the climate emergency, have wreaked havoc across cities, towns, and villages, destroying infrastructure and leaving many without access to water or food. An orange weather warning remains in effect for Castellón in Valencia and parts of Tarragona in Catalonia.

Scientists say extreme weather events are becoming more common across Europe and beyond due to climate change. Meteorologists believe that warming in the Mediterranean, which increases water evaporation, plays a significant role in making heavy rainfall more intense.