The search for missing persons continues in the aftermath of devastating floods that struck the southeast of Spain, resulting in at least 217 fatalities, predominantly in the Valencia region. As the search operation progresses into its sixth day, authorities are focusing on flooded underground car parks, where they fear many victims may still be trapped. General Javier Marcos, head of the Military Emergency Unit (UME), noted that a morgue has been prepared to accommodate up to 400 victims, a significant increase from the initial capacity of 100, indicating the scale of the tragedy.
The situation remains critical as authorities have yet to provide a precise number of missing individuals. The floods have left many underground car parks, including the Bonaire car park in Aldaia, inundated and uninspected. Aldaia's Mayor, Guillermo Lujan, expressed concern over the unknown conditions in these flooded areas. Emergency personnel are working tirelessly, deploying pumps to drain water from these sites, but the sheer volume presents a daunting challenge.
In a separate but related development, the emotional toll of the disaster has sparked public outrage. During a visit by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and King Felipe VI to one of the hardest-hit areas, residents expressed their anger, with some calling the leaders 'murderers' amidst the chaos. This public sentiment highlights the frustration and grief felt by the victims' families and the community as they grapple with the aftermath of the floods.
As the search continues in Valencia, the impact of the weather has also extended to Barcelona, where torrential rains led to the cancellation of numerous flights and disrupted high-speed train services. The Spanish meteorological agency has since lifted the red alert for Valencia, but concerns remain for the north as the region faces ongoing weather challenges.
