Spain is grappling with the deadliest flash floods in its modern history, claiming at least 214 lives and leaving dozens missing in the eastern region of Valencia. The catastrophic rains have turned Valencia into a disaster zone, with emergency responders working around the clock to rescue those stranded and begin the extensive clean-up operations.
In response to the crisis, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced the deployment of an additional 5,000 army troops to aid in the searches and recovery efforts. This brings the total number of military personnel on the ground to 2,500 soldiers. Complementing the military's efforts, 5,000 police officers have also been mobilized to assist with maintaining order and supporting rescue operations.
\"It is the biggest operation by the Armed Forces in Spain in peacetime,\" Sanchez stated during a televised address. \"The government is going to mobilize all the resources necessary as long as they are needed.\"
The devastation in Valencia marks Europe's worst flood-related disaster since 1967, when severe flooding in Portugal resulted in the tragic loss of at least 500 lives. The scale of the current catastrophe underscores the urgent need for robust disaster preparedness and effective emergency response mechanisms in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
