Death Toll Rises to 205 as Spain Struggles with Floods
Spain has been hit by its worst natural disaster in the recent past with over 200 people dying in catastrophic flooding. In the Valencia region, which was struck worst by the downpour, 202 people were killed, regional President Carlos Mazón said, adding three people were killed in other regions of Spain. This raises the possibility that the death toll may increase as rescue workers are still slogging through mud-filled towns to look for the victims.
Torrential rains have been experienced in some parts of the southern regions of Spain, especially Andalusia, since the western province of Spain, Huelva, has been pounded by heavy rain. This is due to the flood warnings, which made the authorities ask people to stay indoors and not celebrate All Saints Day. Especially for the rescue operation, Castellón, Tarragona, and the Balearic Islands have been ravaged by the relentless rain.
In Valencia the situation is still tense, dozens of people remain missing, including businessmen, residents of nursing homes, young children, and their mothers. The military has also sent 750 soldiers to help with the rescues, along with hundreds of national police and civil guard officers in the region.
The disaster has turned into a big challenge for the Spanish coalition government with citizens doubting the capacity of the authorities. Sánchez’s planned trip to Madrid’s meteorological office reveals rising polarisation as the agency is accused of issuing late alerts. Local authorities and national leaders are still in disagreement on the efficiency of early warning systems.
The rescue efforts are unprecedented, with the military and security forces conducting massive rescue operations. With bodies mounting dead, and rain not letting off, the authorities are faced with mounting questions on the disaster management and planning processes.
