Spain sends more soldiers to Valencia to manage aftermath of deadly floods
An extra 500 soldiers have been mobilised in Spain to take part in operations to help the victims of this week’s deadly floods.
The reinforcements that arrived on Friday bring the total number of military personnel deployed in the Valencia region to 1,700. The area was devastated on Tuesday and Wednesday by catastrophic flooding that killed 155 people. Three other people died in neighbouring regions and dozens are still missing.
The soldiers are part of the Emergency Military Unit, which responds to natural disasters. They will be helping to bail out floodwater and distribute aid.
"We will send the 120,000 members of the army if necessary"
In an interview with national television channel TVE, Defence minister Margarita Robles said the central government would send further military reinforcements as required. “We will send the 120,000 members of the army if necessary,” she said.
The dispatch of the extra troops followed a request from the president of the Valencia region, Carlos Mazón, whose government is struggling to cope with the situation.
The local government has been criticised for its handling of the disaster, with an alert not being sent out until after many roads had already been cut off by floodwaters on Tuesday evening.
'Remain cautious'
Meanwhile, Belgium’s Foreign Affairs ministry has advised travellers to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel.
“Although the worst of the storm has passed, several areas in Valencia are still experiencing severe flooding,' the ministry said. "Roads, railway lines and airports, including Valencia’s, are still experiencing disruptions due to the damage.”
It advises travellers to remain cautious as unexpected local weather phenomena may still occur due to the storm's aftermath.
Cars piled up in a street in Valencia following the deadly flooding, 31 October 2024 © PHOTO ROBER SOLSONA / EUROPA PRESS
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