The Spanish government has ordered the largest peace-time deployment of military and security forces to the flood-affected region of Valencia, in response to what is considered the most significant natural disaster the country has faced in decades.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced on Saturday that an additional contingent of 5,000 soldiers, along with 5,000 members of the police and Civil Guard, will be dispatched over the weekend. This deployment is set to increase the total number of troops and police in the impacted areas to approximately 17,000.
The decision to send additional forces follows a request from Valencia’s regional president, Carlos Mazon. Under Spanish legislation, regional authorities are fully responsible for managing emergency relief during natural disasters.
Sanchez has assured that the national government is prepared to provide further support if Valencia’s administration requires it. Acknowledging the challenges faced, he emphasized the importance of both governments working collaboratively, noting criticism that the response thus far has been insufficient.
In the wake of the disaster, a significant number of volunteers have been assisting victims, reflecting a growing sentiment that governmental efforts have fallen short. The torrential rains on October 29 caused widespread destruction, demolishing houses, roads, and bridges, resulting in over 200 fatalities and leaving many others missing. Some areas of Valencia experienced a year’s worth of rainfall within a few hours.
Particularly hard-hit were towns like Paiporta, which, despite receiving minimal rainfall, were devastated by mudslides and floodwaters from storm-affected regions upstream. Under Spanish law, regional governments maintain full control over emergency relief management and can request help or allow the central government to step in, though such intervention is historically rare.
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