In response to catastrophic floods that have claimed at least 217 lives, Spain is deploying 7,500 troops to its eastern region amid rising public outrage over the government’s handling of the disaster. Defense Minister Margarita Robles announced the troop surge on Monday, adding 2,500 more soldiers to the 5,000 already on the ground since the weekend. Their mission: distribute essential supplies, clear wreckage-strewn streets, and secure neighborhoods from looters as communities struggle to recover.
The death toll, Spain’s highest from flooding in recent history, has hit the Valencia region hardest, including more than 60 fatalities in the suburb of Paiporta alone. The ongoing tragedy has sparked public fury, especially after reports emerged of delayed flood warnings and what many see as an inadequate initial response by emergency teams. Tensions boiled over on Sunday when residents in Paiporta hurled mud at Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and King Felipe VI, shouting “murderers!” as they arrived to survey the damage.
Adding to the region’s woes, a fierce hailstorm struck Barcelona on Monday, worsening conditions just as a naval ship carrying marines, food, and water approached Valencia. Rescue workers continued grim searches for bodies, scouring garages, a massive shopping center parking lot, and riverbanks where strong currents may have carried victims.
While some residents voiced their frustrations peacefully, others wore insignia linked to far-right groups, a sight that Defense Minister Robles said reflected extremist efforts to exploit the tragedy for political gain. However, the widespread outpouring of frustration highlights Spain’s struggle to address its worst flood disaster in five decades, with questions still swirling around whether local and national officials could have done more to prevent such high casualties.
Sources for this article include: Spain’s Defense Ministry, statements from government officials, and Reuters.
