Spain Deploys 5,000 Troops to Flood-Hit Valencia

Spain has announced that 5,000 additional soldiers will be deployed to Valencia to support emergency relief and rescue operations following Hurricane Dana's devastating effects.

This decision was made after a request from Valencia’s regional president, Carlos Mazón, to bolster efforts in a region overwhelmed by flooding and the tragic loss of life.

So far, the hurricane has claimed at least 211 lives in Valencia, with thousands still unaccounted for.

This latest deployment follows an earlier dispatch of 3,000 soldiers, bringing the total military presence in the region to 8,000.

Additionally, the National Police and Civil Guard forces have doubled their numbers, raising the security and support personnel to over 10,000.

According to Spanish sources, the first wave of 4,000 troops is expected to reach Valencia by Saturday evening, while the remaining 1,000 will arrive on Sunday.

In the aftermath of the hurricane, the government’s primary focus is on recovering and identifying the bodies of victims as quickly as possible.

Over the past 48 hours, state security forces have conducted widespread searches of damaged homes, riverbanks, and roadways. So far, 211 bodies have been recovered, with 20 forensic teams deployed to expedite the identification process.

In addition to the official response, thousands of volunteers have gathered at the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, designated as a coordination center for relief efforts.

From there, buses transport volunteers to the hardest-hit communities, where they are offering essential support to residents affected by the disaster.