MADRID — In response to the devastating floods that recently struck the eastern region of Valencia, Spain is deploying an additional 5,000 soldiers and 5,000 police officers, as stated by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Saturday.
The floods have tragically claimed the lives of over 200 individuals. To date, authorities have recovered 205 bodies—202 from Valencia, two from Castilla La Mancha, and one from Andalusia—marking this as one of the deadliest natural disasters in Spain’s history.
Efforts to locate those missing continue, with rescuers actively searching through abandoned vehicles and flooded buildings four days after the catastrophic flash floods wreaked havoc across the region. The exact number of missing persons remains uncertain.
In the wake of the disaster, thousands of volunteers have stepped up to assist in clearing the extensive mud that has engulfed streets, homes, and local businesses in the most severely affected areas.
Currently, there are approximately 2,000 soldiers engaged in the emergency response efforts, alongside nearly 2,500 Civil Guard officers, who have conducted around 4,500 rescues throughout the disaster. Additionally, 1,800 national police officers are also on the ground aiding the situation.
