The death toll rose to more than 210 people on Saturday.
King of Spain Felipe VI and the queen Letizia are visiting the area of Valencia affected by the devastating floods today, the country’s media reports.
Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sánchez said on Saturday that he would send 10,000 more soldiers and authorities to the areas affected by the floods. Thousands of authorities have already worked in rescue operations in Valencia.
The death toll rose to more than 210 people on Saturday. Most of the victims are in the Valencia region, where the floods caused the greatest destruction. Earlier, local authorities said that dozens of people were still missing in the flood-ravaged areas.
The hope of finding survivors dwindles over time. Search and rescue operations have been going on for several days.
“There’s Nothing Left”
Rescuers have been looking for survivors among the mud and debris carried by the floodwaters. Rescue work is hampered by the infrastructure destroyed in the floods, and it is also difficult to reach people who may be missing due to damage to telephone lines.
Along with rescue work, damaged roads, buildings and energy lines are being repaired. Locals have complained about the slow action of the authorities both before and after the floods.
– There is nothing left, resident of the destroyed village of Chiva Mario Silvestre commented to the news agency AFP.
– Politicians make big promises. Help will come when it comes, he added.
The authorities have asked people to stay at home so that the streets are not blocked and rescue vehicles can move.
It is the deadliest natural disaster in Spain in decades.
According to researchers, human-caused climate change increases the duration, frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Extremes also become increasingly unpredictable and difficult to control.