The Valencia region is requesting an increase in military resources, vehicles and funding to deal with what has been described as “the second worst flood of the century” in Europe. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced that 5,000 army soldiers will be sent today, in addition to the 3,000 already present, accompanied by another 5,000 Civil Guard and police forces. In his official statement, Sanchez reported that the number of victims has risen to 211.

The images of the devastation are shocking: the mayor of Aldaia described the situation as desolate, with 10,000 cars abandoned on the streets and mud everywhere. He stressed the need for heavy vehicles to clear the blocked roads. Despite the huge mobilization of the armed forces and emergency vehicles, many neighborhoods continue to remain isolated, without electricity and drinking water four days after the catastrophic event.

Amparo Folgado, mayor of Torrent, said that only one bridge remained standing in her municipality and that they are working with residents and authorities to gradually restore some normalcy and allow people to return to their homes. A large number of displaced people, around 800 people, are currently being housed in a sports hall. Only today did much of the municipality regain electricity, but many areas remain inaccessible due to the accumulation of vehicles and debris dragged by the flood.

From Chiva, Mayor Amparo Fort launched an appeal on social media to urgently request water and food for the population, as no assistance has yet been received and there is no telephone coverage in the municipality. She described the context as “extremely serious”. The Valencian Community Government’s Emergency Centre has called on affected municipalities to report the areas where helicopters can land and where heavy equipment such as excavators and cranes can park. The situation remains critical as local authorities continue to work tirelessly to address the consequences of the emergency.