As families along Spain’s Mediterranean coast sought assistance for missing loved ones following last week’s severe floods, the government announced the deployment of additional troops on Monday to aid in the search for victims, according to emergency authorities.
Thousands of soldiers and police officers have been dispatched to the affected region to support rescue and recovery operations; however, their efforts have been hindered by an additional foot of rain in certain areas. Spain’s meteorological agency reported approximately six inches of rain in Barcelona by 11 a.m. and cautioned that the city might receive another five inches later in the day.
The agency also forecasted heavy rainfall in the coastal provinces of Castellón, Tarragona, and Barcelona.
According to Spain’s Interior Ministry, the death toll from the floods has climbed to 215, a consequence of heavy downpours that commenced last week. The disaster has ignited a contentious debate over accountability, with criticisms directed at government officials for delaying warnings.
In the wake of the floods, numerous flights were canceled, and 18 were redirected from Barcelona's international airport. Video footage from news agencies displayed significant flooding within the airport terminals.
Continued rainfall in Valencia, the region most impacted by last week’s flash floods, could further complicate ongoing search and rescue operations. Several primary roads remain inaccessible, and many residents are facing a lack of power and safe drinking water.
As the extent of the disaster becomes clearer, many Spaniards have questioned the preparedness of individuals for the storms' severity. Spain's meteorological agency issued weather warnings days prior to the storm's escalation and intensified alerts on Tuesday morning, at the height of the rainfall.
However, the Valencia regional government, responsible for the formal alert system, did not issue a text message warning until after 8 p.m. that day, by which time the floodwaters were already rising. This delay has fostered resentment towards the authorities, which became apparent during a visit by a delegation of leaders to the town of Paiporta, where at least 60 fatalities occurred.
During the visit, protesters directed insults and threw mud at King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and Carlos Mazón, the leader of the Valencia region.
Some individuals have criticized regional officials, including Mr. Mazón, for their slow response, questioning why he opted to hold meetings and engage with unions instead of preparing for the impending floods. Conversely, Mr. Mazón and others have pointed fingers at the national government for its lack of prompt action during the crisis.
The mud-splattered images of the king and queen have shocked many in Spain. Although King Felipe holds only symbolic power and cannot issue operational commands, his role as the nation’s figurehead carries significant influence over elected officials.
Despite ongoing efforts to present a more responsible public image, the royal family's popularity has waned in recent years, partly due to scandals involving former King Juan Carlos.
Some observers considered King Felipe’s visit to the affected areas as more of a distraction than a source of comfort, noting that he interacted with residents after political leaders, including Mr. Sánchez, departed for security reasons.
Criticism also arose regarding resource allocation, as the king and his entourage were able to reach Paiporta while emergency responders struggled with accessibility. In a speech post-visit, King Felipe acknowledged the “anger and frustration” expressed by residents, while Spain’s transport minister recognized that although the visit was well-intentioned, “maybe it wasn’t the best time.”