Death toll from Spanish floods rises to 205 as extra troops mobilised

The death toll from the floods in Spain this week has risen to 205, as residents in the Valencia region were warned to brace for more rain and an additional 1,000 soldiers were earmarked to help with the rescue operations.

- Ashifa Kassam

Authorities in Valencia raised the death toll there to 202 yesterday, bringing the overall toll to at least 205 in the deadliest floods in Spain's modern history.

The state weather agency, Aemet, said yesterday that four regions, including Valencia, remained on amber alert because of the risk of rain and storms, days after rivers of mud-coloured waters left a trail of devastation.

Days after the flash floods coursed across parts of the country, sweeping away bridges, cars and streetlights, the number of missing people remained unknown and the situation was dire in many of the affected areas. Thousands remained without access to water or reliable food supplies while parts of the heaviest-hit areas remained inaccessible. In some areas, the piles of vehicles and debris had left residents trapped in their homes while others were without electricity or a stable phone service.

"This is a disaster," a resident of hard-hit Paiporta told the broadcaster RTVE as he fought back tears. "People can't imagine what this is like; you see images on television but this is three times worse... We can't continue like this, we need help."

As rescuers scrambled to comb the devastated areas, politicians sought to blame each for why the alert warning people to stay in their homes was sent out only after the flooding had begun.