Spain Sends 10,000 Troops to Flood-Hit Valencia Amid Rising Criticism
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has ordered the deployment of an additional 10,000 troops, police officers, and civil guards to the Valencia region as the death toll from severe flooding reached 211 on Saturday.
With rescue efforts underway, the government is facing mounting criticism from locals who feel that the authorities were unprepared and slow in responding to the crisis.
Flooding Devastates Valencia, Trapping Residents and Cutting Off Resources
Intense rainfall that began on Monday has caused widespread destruction across Valencia, with bridges collapsing and entire towns submerged in mud. Many communities remain cut off, with residents lacking basic necessities such as water, food, and electricity. Around 1,700 soldiers are already engaged in search and rescue operations, but the situation remains dire, with expectations that the casualty count could rise as rescue teams gain access to isolated areas.
Efforts are now concentrated on draining underground tunnels and parking garages, where officials fear that people may have been trapped by rapidly rising floodwaters. Paco Polit, a journalist in Valencia, told the BBC that the newly dispatched troops are bringing essential heavy equipment, including bulldozers and trucks, to bolster the speed and coordination of rescue missions.
Criticism Over Government’s Response and Warnings
Local authorities have faced backlash over the perceived delay in their response to the disaster. Many residents claim they received insufficient warnings about the severity of the impending floods. Amparo Andres, a long-time shop owner in Valencia, shared her ordeal, recounting how floodwaters rose to her neck, forcing her to abandon her livelihood.
“At least I’m alive, but I’ve lost everything. My business, my home,” Andres lamented. “And the government isn’t doing anything. Only the young people around are helping us.”
The Spanish Meteorological Agency has extended weather warnings across northeastern and southern regions of Spain, with additional advisories issued for the Balearic Islands. The heavy rainfall is expected to continue through Sunday, prolonging the challenging conditions for Valencia’s residents and rescue workers.
As Spain grapples with one of its most devastating natural disasters in recent history, the deployment of additional troops reflects the urgency of addressing both the immediate needs of those affected and the rising discontent among local communities.
