Spain’s Flood Crisis: 89 Missing, Massive Aid Allocated for Recovery

In the wake of devastating floods in eastern Spain, judicial authorities in Valencia confirmed that at least 89 people remain missing, with the death toll continuing to rise across affected regions. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced a €10.6 billion (£8.9bn) relief package to support victims and rebuild impacted communities.

Missing Persons and Unidentified Victims

Authorities in Valencia reported that 89 missing individuals have been registered based on reports from family members who have provided personal information and biological samples to assist in identification. Additional missing persons may exist whose information has not yet been recorded, as authorities work to assess the full extent of the tragedy. To date, over 200 people have been confirmed dead, with Valencia, Castile-La Mancha, and Andalusia among the hardest-hit regions.

Recovery Efforts and DNA Identification

Coroners have conducted 195 autopsies, identifying 133 victims, while 62 bodies remain unidentified. Spain’s National Guard has requested DNA samples from relatives to speed up identification. To aid search operations, a research vessel from the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) equipped with advanced seafloor imaging technology is expected to arrive in Valencia on November 9. This vessel will explore hard-to-reach areas, amid suggestions that some missing persons may have been swept out to sea.

Financial Aid for Victims and Businesses

The aid package includes €838 million in direct financial support to small businesses and freelancers affected by the floods and €5 billion in state-backed loans. The national government has pledged to cover all cleanup costs for local governments and will share half of the expenses for infrastructure repairs. The floods caused severe damage, with over 100,000 vehicles destroyed and business losses potentially exceeding €10 billion, according to Sonia Luque, coordinator of the REAC network for road assistance.

Government Response and Criticism

Prime Minister Sánchez defended the government’s response, highlighting the deployment of nearly 15,000 police, military personnel, forestry officials, and other specialists to assist with recovery efforts. However, he refrained from declaring a national state of emergency, stating that such a move would have hindered efficient deployment.

Valencia’s regional leader, Carlos Mazón, attributed the delayed flood warnings to the Júcar Hydrographic Confederation (CHJ), which he claimed canceled alerts multiple times. In response, the CHJ clarified that issuing flood risk alerts is the responsibility of regional governments, not its agency.

Looking Forward

As Spain continues its recovery, Sánchez emphasized the need for continued vigilance and coordination in addressing the aftermath of this crisis.