The recent flash floods in Valencia have become Spain’s deadliest on record, claiming at least 217 lives and leaving dozens missing days after intense rainfall overwhelmed the eastern region.

In a national address, Sanchez announced that an additional 5,000 military personnel would join the existing 2,500 soldiers already working to aid in search and cleanup operations. “This is the largest Armed Forces operation in Spain’s peacetime history,” he said, affirming the government’s commitment to deploying every resource necessary until the crisis subsides.

Members of Spain’s Military Emergency Unit (UME) walk, following heavy rains that caused floods, in Paiporta, near Valencia, Spain, November 3, 2024. REUTERS/Eva Manez

According to Reuters, Valencia reported 211 fatalities as of Saturday night, with additional casualties from Castilla La Mancha and Andalusia, making this Europe’s most severe flood disaster since 1967, when over 500 people perished in Portugal. A rare moment of hope emerged when emergency responders rescued a woman trapped in a parking facility in Montcada, Valencia, for three days.

Volunteers help firefighters remove mud from a basement, in the aftermath of floods caused by heavy rains, in Alfafar, near Valencia, Spain, November 3, 2024. REUTERS/Susana Vera TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

New weather alerts have been issued for Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, and Valencia as rains are predicted to persist. Scientists warn that such extreme weather events are intensifying due to climate change, with Mediterranean warming accelerating water evaporation and worsening torrential downpours.

Protests disrupt royal family visit

According to Reuters, residents in the Valencia suburb of Paiporta gathered on Sunday to protest during a visit by Spain’s King Felipe, Queen Letizia, and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

People throw mud at Spain’s King Felipe, following heavy rains that caused floods, as he visits Paiporta, near Valencia, Spain, November 3, 2024. REUTERS/Eva Manez

Spain’s Queen Letizia shakes hands with emergency service personnel outside a command center as she and Spain’s King Felipe visit the areas affected by the DANA, following heavy rains that caused floods, in Paiporta, near Valencia, Spain November 3, 2024. Casa de S.M. el Rey/Jose Jimenez/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY

The protest, marked by angry chants of “Murderers, murderers!” highlighted widespread local sentiment that authorities failed to warn of the dangers posed by Tuesday’s flooding. Some even threw mud and debris at the royal family, leading to one of the bodyguards being injured.

Despite the tension, King Felipe chose to remain and engage with residents, while Sanchez left the area quickly.

King Felipe comforted a grieving man, Queen Letizia, visibly moved, hugged residents, with traces of mud on her hair and face. Security personnel attempted to shield the royals with umbrellas as protesters threw objects.

People throw mud at Spain’s King Felipe, following heavy rains that caused floods, as he visits Paiporta, near Valencia, Spain, November 3, 2024. REUTERS/Eva Manez

Some protestors were seen wearing insignias of far-right groups that frequently oppose the leftist government. PM Sanchez downplayed the significance of these “marginal acts,” urging the country to focus on recovery. He acknowledged frustrations but urged unity, promising that any lapses in response would be investigated.

Valencia’s regional leader Carlos Mazon, in turn, stood by the public’s right to voice their concerns and lauded the King’s patience and composure during the turbulent visit.