Spain Orders Largest Peacetime Deployment as Flood Death Toll in Valencia Rises to 211

Nov 2, 2024, 06:38 AM

Spain is deploying 10,000 soldiers and police officers, including an amphibious Navy vessel, to the eastern region of Valencia after devastating floods claimed at least 211 lives. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced the deployment as hopes of finding survivors faded three days after the disaster. The troops and security forces will assist in search and rescue operations for dozens of people still missing and support relief efforts in the flood-hit areas. This marks Spain's largest peacetime deployment of military and security personnel. An initial deployment of 500 extra troops had been sent earlier. The army was called in by the regional president amid mounting public anger over the government's response to the crisis. The floods have caused significant devastation across Valencia.