The death toll from the floods that ravaged southeastern Spain this week has risen to at least 205, as reported by emergency services. “Currently, and on a provisional basis, we report 202 fatalities in the Valencia region,” stated a press release from local emergency services, which have been most significantly affected by this tragedy.
In addition to the deaths in Valencia, two more fatalities have occurred in the neighboring region of Castilla-La Mancha, and one in Andalusia. A significant number of individuals, whose exact count remains unknown, are still reported missing. The previous estimate had indicated 158 fatalities.
In response to the disaster, the government has declared a three-day national mourning period beginning Thursday.
Approximately 1,000 military personnel, supported by helicopters, along with 1,700 law enforcement officers, have been deployed to assist emergency services in the area.
The Valencia city council has announced that all schools will remain closed on Wednesday, and all sporting events have been canceled. According to the Spanish airport operator Aena, several flights scheduled to arrive at or depart from Valencia Airport (eastern Spain) have been diverted or canceled. Meanwhile, the national railway infrastructure operator Adif has suspended high-speed trains between Madrid and Valencia, warning that this service disruption is expected to last for at least “four days.”
