Spain is deploying 7,500 troops to its eastern region hit by deadly floods, where at least 217 people have died
Spain is deploying 7,500 troops to its eastern region after catastrophic floods claimed at least 217 lives, facing rising criticism over the government’s response.
About 5,000 soldiers arrived over the weekend to help distribute food and water, clear debris, and guard against looting, with 2,500 more troops joining them, Defense Minister Margarita Robles announced. A warship carrying marine troops and supplies was en route to Valencia, as heavy hail battered Barcelona, 300 km to the north.
On Monday, rescue teams searched parking garages, including a large 5,000-car lot at Bonaire shopping mall near Valencia, as well as river mouths where floodwaters may have carried bodies.
Most fatalities were recorded in Valencia, with over 60 deaths in the suburb of Paiporta. Many residents expressed anger over delayed flood warnings and a perceived slow response by authorities. During a visit to Paiporta, some residents threw mud at Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and King Felipe, shouting “murderers” in protest.
Read next
18:00
China
China’s Ambassador to Spain, Yao Jing, stated that China is eager to be seen as a partner rather than a rival to the European Union, emphasizing the need for collaboration amidst shifting global dynamics and U.S. trade policies, which he described as "unilateral economic abuse."
14:49
Pope Francis has approved the first step towards sainthood for Antoni Gaudi, the modernist architect behind Barcelona's "Sagrada Familia" basilica, the Vatican said on Monday.
20:00
China - Spain
President Xi Jinping met with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Friday, calling for stronger strategic cooperation as China and Spain mark the 20th anniversary of their comprehensive strategic partnership.
19:30
Spain
Spanish lawmakers have approved a plan to relocate thousands of underage migrants from overcrowded youth centres in the Canary Islands and other outposts to mainland regions, aiming to ease pressure on areas facing high migration flows.
12:09
Tariff aid
Spain’s Economy Minister, Carlos Cuerpo, is pushing the EU to expand financial aid for industries hit by U.S. tariffs. Spain recently unveiled a €14.1 billion support package and aims to secure broader EU countermeasures as trade tensions escalate between the U.S. and Europe.