Spanish rescue teams are intensifying their efforts to locate missing individuals following the catastrophic floods that ravaged Valencia last week. The focus has shifted to underground garages and a multi-storey car park at a shopping mall in Aldaia, where it is feared that shoppers and workers may have become trapped as floodwaters surged through the area.
Initial inspections by police have revealed no victims among the first 50 vehicles checked in the car park, which is situated on the outskirts of Valencia. However, these vehicles were located near the entrance, and much of the structure remains submerged and unexplored. Rescue efforts are complicated by the extensive flooding, with authorities expressing concerns over individuals who may have been caught in their cars or in underground spaces such as garages and tunnels.
As the search continues, the death toll from the floods has reached 217, with reports confirming that a missing British couple in their 70s was found deceased in their vehicle days after the disaster struck. On Monday, Spain’s Interior Minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, declined to provide an estimate of how many people are still missing, citing the chaos following the storm.
In the northeastern Catalonia region, the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued a red alert for torrential rain, exacerbating the situation. Barcelona experienced significant flooding on Monday morning, with reports of cars partially submerged on highways and water entering buses. Additionally, parts of El Prat airport were inundated, leading to the cancellation, delay, or diversion of more than 60 flights.
Amidst the devastation, frustration has mounted among the public over the perceived lack of adequate warnings and support from authorities. Protests erupted over the weekend, with Spain’s King Felipe and Queen Letizia being confronted by angry demonstrators in the town of Paiporta, one of the hardest-hit areas. Objects were thrown at Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez during a visit, prompting a swift evacuation.
In response to the chaos, the Civil Guard has launched an investigation into the events surrounding the protests, with the Interior Minister attributing the violence to “marginal groups.” Local authorities in Valencia have extended travel restrictions for an additional two days to facilitate emergency operations, canceling school classes and urging residents to work from home.
In a bid to bolster relief efforts, Spain’s Defence Minister announced the deployment of an additional 2,500 soldiers to join the 5,000 troops already on the ground. These forces will assist in distributing food and water, conducting cleanup operations, and maintaining order in the affected areas. A warship carrying 104 marine infantry soldiers and supplies is also en route to Valencia’s port, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
As rescuers navigate the challenges posed by the flooding, the search for missing individuals continues, with hopes fading as the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic disaster.
