The Integrated Coordination Center, which is managing the aftermath of the recent severe weather event affecting various parts of Spain, has reported that the death toll in the Valencian Community has risen to 202. This figure is in addition to three more fatalities recorded in Castilla-La Mancha and Andalusia. As of Thursday, the count was at 155; however, the number has tragically increased by nearly 60 as rescue teams uncover debris and inspect homes destroyed by the torrential rains and flooding.
Search efforts for missing persons and the restoration of homes, streets, and infrastructure in the hardest-hit areas continue as communities grapple with the harrowing scenes of destruction. From 8 a.m. this Friday, an additional 500 military personnel have joined the search operations, supplementing the 1,200 troops from the Military Emergency Unit (UME) that have been on the ground since the outset, according to the newspaper El País. The Minister of Defense has assured the public that more resources will be deployed as needed.
Authorities have cautioned that the weather system remains active, bringing heavy rains to the Valencian Community and western Andalusia. Several regions, including the provinces of Valencia and Castellón, as well as the southern part of Tarragona, are under an orange alert from the State Meteorological Agency. Meanwhile, a red alert is in effect for coastal areas of Huelva, Andévalo, and Condado in Andalusia.
The president of the regional government, Juanma Moreno, has urged residents to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary. In response to the national crisis, Spain has declared an official mourning period this week to honor those who have perished in this devastating climatic disaster.