89 still missing

Frantic search continues in Spain among flood debris

- Patrick Hill

FIRST responders were yesterday hunting for bodies feared hidden under water after officials revealed at least 89 people remain missing following the Valencia floods.

Crews were seen in waders combing the Turia river on foot and in inflatable boats, as the search operation entered its ninth day.

The death toll was last night at 217, including three Brits, and it is estimated 400,000 people have been affected.

Spain's prime minister Pedro Sanchez admitted: "There are still missing persons to be located, homes and businesses destroyed, buried under the mud, and many people suffering severe shortages."