An additional 500 soldiers are being sent to the Valencia region as criticism mounts against local authorities regarding their handling of the severe flooding that has recently affected Spain. The death toll has surpassed 200, with most casualties occurring in and around Valencia, and this number is likely to rise further.

The heavy rains that began on Monday resulted in devastating floods that destroyed bridges and inundated towns with mud, isolating communities and leaving them without essential services such as water, food, and electricity. Thousands of residents from Valencia city have traveled to surrounding rural areas to deliver supplies and assist with clean-up efforts. However, authorities announced on Friday that traffic restrictions would be imposed over the weekend to prioritize access for emergency responders.

Weather warnings are still in effect across northeastern and southern Spain and are expected to continue until Sunday. Another alert has been issued for the Balearic Islands for Saturday. Approximately 1,700 soldiers are already engaged in search and rescue operations in Valencia, although hopes of locating additional survivors are fading. Efforts are concentrated on draining water from underground spaces where individuals may have been trapped as floodwaters rose.

Local officials are under fire for their slow response time and for failing to issue timely warnings before the flooding occurred. Amparo Andres, a shop owner in Valencia for four decades, recounted how floodwaters reached neck height in her store, leaving her feeling as though she would not survive. She lamented losing her business and home while noting that only local youth have stepped up to help.

Another resident, Juan Pérez, expressed his sorrow over losing his family home overnight. The civil protection agency sent out emergency alerts to residents after 8:00 PM local time on Tuesday, but by then many areas were already facing significant damage.

In Paiporta, where over 60 fatalities have been reported, locals voiced their frustration at the slow arrival of aid. Paco Clemente, a pharmacist helping clear mud from a friend’s house, mentioned the insufficient number of firefighters available.

The federal government is also being criticized for its delayed military response and for not accepting an offer from France to send additional firefighters. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has committed to providing whatever assistance is necessary for those impacted by this disaster.

Volunteer clean-up efforts organized largely through social media have seen hundreds mobilizing to assist affected areas. On Friday, local authorities announced traffic restrictions in Valencia to facilitate emergency services' operations.

Looting has been reported amid the chaos, with some desperate individuals attempting to take advantage of abandoned stores. The southern regions have also faced heavy rainfall leading to evacuations in cities like Jerez. The intensity of this flooding can be attributed partly to a year-long lack of rain that left soils unable to absorb the sudden deluge effectively. In Chiva near Valencia, rainfall during a single eight-hour period matched what is typically seen throughout an entire year. Climate change may also be exacerbating these extreme weather events; preliminary findings indicate this week’s rainfall was significantly heavier than average conditions would suggest.