Deadly Floods in Eastern Spain Leave 89 Missing
Valencia Region Faces Tragedy as Government Pledges Significant Relief Aid
At least 89 people are missing after devastating floods struck eastern Spain, with Valencia's regional authorities confirming the numbers.
Heavy rains triggered flash floods, resulting in over 200 deaths, primarily in Valencia, Castile-La Mancha, and Andalusia, but only 133 victims have been identified.
Amidst the chaos, Spain's Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, has announced a €10.6 billion aid package to assist victims and the affected regions.
The Superior Court of Justice of Valencia revealed that the missing count includes only those reported by families who provided biological samples and personal information.
The Spanish National Guard has requested DNA samples from relatives to aid in body identification, as 62 bodies remain unidentified.
A CSIC research vessel will arrive on November 9 to assist with the search, leveraging technology to explore the seafloor, as some victims might have been washed into the sea.
The aid includes €838 million in direct cash for small businesses and freelancers, and €5 billion in state-backed loans.
In response to criticism over the government's reaction time, nearly 15,000 police, military personnel, and other forces have been deployed to the area.
While logistical efforts continue, the regional leader, Carlos Mazón, cited delayed alerts from the Júcar Hydrographic Confederation (CHJ) as a factor in the initial response issues.
In turn, the CHJ clarified that alerting falls under regional government responsibilities.
Heavy rains triggered flash floods, resulting in over 200 deaths, primarily in Valencia, Castile-La Mancha, and Andalusia, but only 133 victims have been identified.
Amidst the chaos, Spain's Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, has announced a €10.6 billion aid package to assist victims and the affected regions.
The Superior Court of Justice of Valencia revealed that the missing count includes only those reported by families who provided biological samples and personal information.
The Spanish National Guard has requested DNA samples from relatives to aid in body identification, as 62 bodies remain unidentified.
A CSIC research vessel will arrive on November 9 to assist with the search, leveraging technology to explore the seafloor, as some victims might have been washed into the sea.
The aid includes €838 million in direct cash for small businesses and freelancers, and €5 billion in state-backed loans.
In response to criticism over the government's reaction time, nearly 15,000 police, military personnel, and other forces have been deployed to the area.
While logistical efforts continue, the regional leader, Carlos Mazón, cited delayed alerts from the Júcar Hydrographic Confederation (CHJ) as a factor in the initial response issues.
In turn, the CHJ clarified that alerting falls under regional government responsibilities.
