The aftermath of devastating floods in Valencia has left at least 211 people dead, with fears that the toll may continue to climb as rescue efforts unfold amid relentless criticism of local authorities’ response. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has ordered the deployment of an additional 10,000 troops and police officers to assist in the recovery and rescue operations in the hard-hit region.

The floods, which began earlier this week due to torrential rains, have caused extensive destruction across Valencia, demolishing bridges and burying towns under layers of mud. The rising waters have isolated communities, leaving them without essential supplies such as water, food, and electricity.

Already, approximately 1,700 soldiers are on the ground, engaged in search and rescue missions, with a primary focus on pumping water from underground tunnels and parking garages where many are feared to be trapped. The influx of new personnel is expected to expedite the use of heavy machinery, including bulldozers and trucks, to enhance the efficiency of rescue efforts.

Residents are expressing their anger and frustration towards local authorities for their inadequate response and lack of timely warnings. Many have voiced that they received alerts only after floodwaters had already begun to rise dangerously. Juan González, a resident of Aldaia, lamented the lack of preventative measures: “It’s outrageous that our local government didn’t do anything about it, knowing that this was coming.”

Valencia's civil protection agency issued an emergency alert to residents on Tuesday evening, but many feel that it was too little, too late. Amparo Andres, a long-time shop owner, described a terrifying experience as the floodwaters engulfed her building, reaching neck-high levels. “At least I'm alive, but I've lost everything—my business, my home,” she said. “And the government isn't doing anything. Only the young people around are helping us.”

In Paiporta, where more than 60 fatalities have been reported, residents are frustrated with the slow arrival of aid. Paco Clemente, a pharmacist aiding in the cleanup, emphasized the inadequacy of the local response: “There aren't enough firefighters; the shovels haven't arrived.”

As authorities grapple with the devastation, weather warnings remain in effect in northeastern and southern Spain, and a new alert has been issued for the Balearic Islands. With each passing hour, hope for finding more survivors diminishes, underscoring the urgency for a robust and coordinated emergency response.

As the community rallies to support one another in the face of tragedy, the focus remains on restoring safety and order to a region that has suffered immeasurable loss.