The Prime Minister of Spain has deployed an additional 5,000 troops along with 5,000 police officers and civil guards to the Valencia region in response to mounting criticism from residents regarding the handling of devastating floods. The death toll rose to 211, primarily in the Valencia area, and is likely to increase further as rescue operations continue.

The catastrophic flooding was triggered by heavy rains that began on Monday, resulting in the destruction of bridges and inundating towns with mud. Many communities have been deprived of basic necessities such as water, food, and electricity. Weather alerts are still active across northeastern and southern Spain and are expected to persist through Sunday; a separate alert has also been issued for the Balearic Islands.

Currently, around 1,700 soldiers are engaged in search and rescue activities in Valencia, but hopes of finding survivors are fading. Efforts are focused on clearing water from underground spaces like tunnels and parking lots where individuals may be trapped.

Paco Polit, a journalist based in Valencia, indicated that the newly deployed troops would provide essential heavy machinery such as bulldozers and trucks, enhancing both the efficiency and coordination of rescue operations. Local authorities have faced significant backlash over their slow response and inadequate preemptive warnings about the flooding.

Residents have shared harrowing accounts of their experiences. Amparo Andres, who has run her shop for four decades, recounted how floodwaters rose to her neck; she lost everything but her life. Another local resident, Juan Pérez, expressed his devastation at losing his family’s home overnight.

The civil protection agency activated emergency alerts for people in Valencia after floodwaters had already begun to rise significantly. Juan González from Aldaia criticized local officials for their failure to take preventive measures despite previous knowledge of potential flooding.

In Paiporta, a town severely impacted by the floods with over 60 reported deaths, residents voiced their frustration over insufficient aid and resources for recovery efforts. Criticism has also been directed at Madrid’s federal government for its delayed military mobilization and for turning down assistance offers from France.

Amidst this crisis, volunteer efforts led largely by younger generations on social media are organizing clean-up initiatives in Valencia. Local authorities have restricted traffic in metropolitan areas to facilitate emergency services' access.

The flooding has affected various regions across southern Spain as well, with many families evacuated due to rising waters. A lack of rainfall throughout the year left soil unable to absorb large amounts of water effectively during this torrential rain event. According to meteorological reports, some areas near Valencia experienced an unprecedented amount of rainfall within just eight hours.

Global warming is believed to exacerbate these extreme weather events, with studies suggesting that rainfall amounts were significantly heavier than usual due to climate change factors. As rescue efforts continue amidst this tragedy, the scale of destruction remains evident from satellite imagery and firsthand accounts from affected residents.