Spain’s eastern region of Valencia is reeling from the deadliest flash floods in the country’s recent history, which have claimed at least 211 lives and left dozens still missing, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez confirmed on Saturday. The disaster follows days of torrential rain that swept through the area, causing unprecedented damage and displacing thousands of residents.
In a televised address, Sanchez pledged full support from the government, announcing the deployment of an additional 5,000 army troops to aid in search and recovery efforts. These forces add to the 2,500 soldiers already on the ground. “This is the largest peacetime operation ever conducted by Spain’s Armed Forces,” Sanchez stated. “The government will provide all necessary resources for as long as they are needed.”
The scale of the catastrophe has made it Europe’s deadliest flood disaster since 1967, when severe floods in Portugal claimed over 500 lives.
In Valencia, volunteers have mobilized at the City of Arts and Sciences center, which has become the central hub for the coordinated relief efforts organized by regional authorities. Volunteers and emergency crews are working around the clock to clear debris and restore essential services in the flood-ravaged areas.
The impact on local communities has been devastating. In Picanya, a suburb of Valencia, residents are struggling to cope with the destruction. Emilia, a 74-year-old shop owner, voiced her frustration, saying, “We feel abandoned. There are so many people who need help. We’re throwing away everything—our furniture, our belongings.” She added, “When will the aid come so we can replace fridges and washing machines? We can’t even wash our clothes or take a shower.”
Maria Jose Gilabert, a nurse from Picanya, expressed her despair, explaining, “We’re devastated. The help is coming from across Spain, but it’s going to be a long time before this area is livable again.”
The storm’s intensity has also prompted new weather alerts for the Balearic Islands, Catalonia, and Valencia, with additional heavy rains expected over the weekend. Meteorologists warn that the flooding may worsen, and authorities are urging residents in high-risk areas to take precautions.
Scientists link the increasing frequency and severity of such weather events to climate change, with warming seas contributing to more intense storms. Experts suggest that the warming of the Mediterranean, which accelerates water evaporation, may be a critical factor driving the intensifying rain patterns across southern Europe.
As cleanup and recovery continue, Spain’s government has emphasized its commitment to rebuilding affected areas and aiding the thousands of families displaced by the floods. However, for the residents of Valencia, the road to recovery is likely to be long and challenging.
