A massive search operation is underway in Valencia, where deadly floods have left an underground car park at the Bonaire shopping center submerged.
Rescue teams fear they may be searching for what could become a "mass grave," with reports indicating the number of bodies could reach into the hundreds. The death toll from this natural disaster has already surpassed 200, with about 2,000 people still unaccounted for.
Rescue Efforts Intensify in Valencia Amid Flood Crisis
In response to the crisis, close to 10,000 troops and police officers have been deployed to assist in the search efforts. Among the rescuers are specialist scuba divers tasked with navigating the flooded car park, which is filled with abandoned vehicles.
Emergency teams are using boats and robots to pump out the sewage and search for any potential survivors. Many locals are feeling frustrated with the government response, claiming it has been too slow. Their anger was evident when King Felipe and Queen Letizia visited one of the hardest-hit areas and were met with shouts of "murderers" from the crowd.
According to MailOnline, the flooding disaster has also spread to other regions, such as Alicante, where videos have surfaced showing streets filled with muddy water. Some locals have been forced to swim to safety after their cars were swept away.
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Flooding Extends Across Spain, Prompting Urgent Calls for Help
As rescue operations continue, frustration is growing over delays in emergency alerts. In Paiporta, an alert was sent out two hours late, leaving many residents vulnerable to the rising waters.
Despite the chaos, the Alicante Airport remains operational, although many flights have been delayed. Local residents and volunteers are taking charge of cleanup efforts, with many describing the situation as devastating. One woman, in tears, told the king that she was in need of food and essential supplies.
As the search continues, officials have accepted requests for additional troops and police presence in the region. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez described the floods as "the worst natural disaster in our country's recent history."
The Bonaire shopping center, which is as large as 100 football fields, now sits eerily quiet, with reports describing a "dantesque" scene, according to Mirror. Images show the shopping center's escalators submerged in muddy water, highlighting the extent of the destruction.
Many fear that as the rescue efforts progress, the death toll may rise even further, as "it is reasonable to think that we will have more deaths," according to police officials.
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