Death toll surpasses 200 in Spain's catastrophic Mediterranean floods, search operations continue
The precise number of missing persons remains unclear due to severely damaged communication infrastructure and transportation networks in the affected areas.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Spanish emergency services resumed their grim recovery mission Saturday as the death toll from devastating floods reached 207, marking the country's deadliest natural disaster in decades, while authorities scrambled to deliver aid to isolated communities in the eastern Valencia region.
Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska indicated Friday that the death toll is likely to rise as search operations continue.
The precise number of missing persons remains unclear due to severely damaged communication infrastructure and transportation networks in the affected areas.
Thousands of military personnel, police officers, and civil guards are working tirelessly to clear debris and mud in search of victims.
The floods, triggered by intense Mediterranean storms on Tuesday, have left numerous towns without access to essential services, including water, electricity, and food supplies.
Valencia's deputy regional head, Susana Camarero, defended the government's response to criticism about slow aid delivery, stating that essential supplies have reached all accessible settlements "from day one."
However, she acknowledged the growing demands from affected residents as "logical" given the scale of the disaster.
In a remarkable display of solidarity, thousands of volunteers carrying cleaning equipment converged on affected areas Friday to assist with recovery efforts.
The outpouring of support has been so substantial that some municipalities report being "overwhelmed by the amount of solidarity and food" received, according to Camarero.
Officials have restricted road access for two days to facilitate emergency operations, urging well-meaning volunteers to remain home to prevent congestion that could impede rescue efforts.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez convened a crisis committee meeting Saturday to coordinate the national response to the catastrophe.
Scientists note that while such Mediterranean storms are typical for this season, climate change is intensifying their severity and frequency.