Spain Floods Leave 89 Missing as PM Pledges €10.6 Billion in Aid
In the wake of devastating floods in eastern Spain, at least 89 people remain unaccounted for, according to the regional judicial authorities in Valencia. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has announced a substantial aid package of €10.6 billion (£8.9 billion) to support those affected by the natural disaster.
The Valencia superior court confirmed that the 89 missing individuals are only those reported by family members who provided necessary personal and biological details to facilitate identification. However, authorities cautioned that the actual number of missing persons may be higher, as some cases may not yet have been formally registered.
The floods, triggered by intense rainfall last week, led to widespread destruction as rivers overflowed, causing flash floods that swept through neighborhoods south of Valencia. The floodwaters damaged infrastructure, uprooted vehicles, destroyed bridges, and inundated buildings and underground car parks. So far, over 200 people have been confirmed dead across affected regions, including Valencia, Castile-La Mancha, and Andalusia. Out of these, only 133 have been positively identified, while 62 bodies are pending identification.
In a press conference in Madrid, Sánchez emphasized the need for continued efforts to locate missing persons, repair destroyed homes and businesses, and address pressing shortages in affected communities. The court reported that coroners have conducted 195 autopsies as part of the ongoing identification process, with Spain’s national guard urging families of the missing to provide DNA samples to expedite body identification.
To assist with the search and recovery operations, a specialized research vessel from the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) is set to arrive in Valencia on November 9. This vessel, equipped with advanced imaging technology, will enable detailed mapping of the seafloor and access to areas that are difficult to reach, as authorities consider the possibility that some missing individuals may have been swept out to sea.
The announced aid includes €838 million in direct support for small businesses and freelancers impacted by the floods, as well as €5 billion in state-backed loans. Additionally, the government will fully fund the cleanup costs borne by local municipalities and cover half of the infrastructure repair expenses. Preliminary assessments suggest extensive economic impact, with more than 100,000 vehicles damaged and flood-related losses to businesses expected to exceed €10 billion, according to Sonia Luque, coordinator of the road assistance network REAC.
In response to public criticism of the government’s handling of the crisis, Sánchez underscored that nearly 15,000 police and military personnel, as well as forestry officials, forensic experts, customs agents, and heavy machinery, have been deployed to assist with recovery efforts. Despite calls for a state of emergency, Sánchez defended his decision not to declare one, arguing that regional governance was more effective in managing the disaster response.
Regional coordination has also been a point of contention. Carlos Mazón, Valencia’s regional leader, attributed delays in alerting residents to the Júcar Hydrographic Confederation (CHJ), which monitors river and ravine levels. Mazón claimed the CHJ canceled flood warnings three times before the disaster. However, the CHJ has clarified that it does not issue flood risk alerts, which are the responsibility of regional governments.
This complex and evolving situation has spotlighted the need for coordinated efforts in disaster preparedness and response, as Spain grapples with the aftermath of one of its deadliest flood events in recent history.
