Spain deploys more troops to flood-devastated region as discontent grows
PAIPORTA, Spain – Spain is deploying 7,500 troops to its eastern region hit by devastating floods, the government said on Monday in the face of rising discontent over the response to the catastrophe that has killed at least 217 people.
The army sent about 5,000 soldiers over the weekend to help distribute food and water, clean up streets, and protect shops and properties from looters. A further 2,500 would join them, Defence Minister Margarita Robles told state-owned radio RNE.
A warship carrying 104 marine infantry soldiers as well as trucks with food and water was approaching Valencia port even as a strong hailstorm pummelled Barcelona some 300 km (186 miles) to the north.
In parallel, rescue teams were searching for bodies in underground garages, including a 5,000-car park at Bonaire shopping mall near Valencia airport, as well as river mouths where currents may have deposited bodies.
On Sunday, hundreds of residents of a Valencia suburb particularly devastated by last week’s deadly floods protested during a visit by Spanish King Felipe, Queen Letizia, and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, with some throwing mud at them.
The crowd expressed their frustration over what residents saw as delayed warnings from authorities about the flooding and a sluggish response from emergency services when the disaster occurred.
Meanwhile, the central government has said it is the responsibility of regional authorities to issue alerts to the public.
In response, the Valencia authorities claimed they acted to the best of their ability based on the information they had.
