Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has announced Spain’s largest peacetime military deployment, sending 10,000 troops and police officers to address the devastating floods that have claimed over 200 lives across the country’s eastern, southern, and central areas. Following a meeting with the flood crisis committee, Sánchez committed to using every available resource to confront the tragedy, which has hit the Valencia region the hardest. He acknowledged delays in reaching affected areas and called for unity above all political divides.

“There are still many searching for their loved ones, and so many mourning family, friends, and neighbors,” Sánchez said in a televised address. “I want to express our deepest sympathies and assure them that every level of the Spanish government is by their side.”

Labeling the floods as “the worst natural disaster in recent Spanish history” and the second deadliest in Europe this century, Sánchez outlined the expanded deployment of personnel to support relief efforts. He highlighted that in the first two days alone, “we’ve seen the largest-ever peacetime deployment of armed forces and police,” which has facilitated 4,800 rescues and helped more than 30,000 residents stranded in homes and industrial areas.

Despite the scale of response, Sánchez admitted that getting help to certain regions has been slower than anticipated. “That’s why we’re deploying an additional 4,000 personnel from the military emergency unit to Valencia, with another 1,000 arriving tomorrow,” he added. To further aid the effort, an amphibious naval vessel equipped with operating rooms, helicopters, and transport vehicles is set to arrive at Valencia’s port.

Additionally, 5,000 national police and civil guard officers will reinforce the existing personnel in Valencia. “Our second priority is to carry out the dignified recovery of those who lost their lives,” Sánchez continued. “Specialized teams are working continuously to locate victims.” Over the past two days, rescue and inspection teams have searched thousands of garages, riverbeds, and roads, recovering over 200 bodies, with mobile morgues set up for ongoing support.

The City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia has become the main coordination hub for a large-scale, volunteer-led cleanup. After the unexpected turnout of volunteers initially created some logistical challenges, authorities have since put a more coordinated plan in place to streamline efforts.

Power has now been restored to about 94% of affected homes, with phone line repairs expected over the weekend. In response to public frustration over the timing of emergency alerts—particularly the delay in Valencia’s warning until Tuesday evening—Sánchez stressed the need for solidarity during this challenging time.

“This is one of the most severe disasters Europe has faced in this century,” he said. “I’m aware that the response has fallen short in some areas and that communities are still facing shortages and isolation from their families and homes. This moment calls for unity, not blame.”

Heavy rains, fueled by what scientists link to climate change, have caused flash floods throughout many areas, wiping out bridges, damaging homes, and sweeping away cars and debris. Numerous residents remain isolated and without access to basic necessities, as roads and power lines remain compromised.

Looking ahead, Sánchez underscored the need for evaluating and strengthening public service response to extreme weather. “Right now, we’re focused on the immediate challenges, setting aside differences to address this recovery together.”

An orange weather alert remains active for Castellón in Valencia and parts of Tarragona in Catalonia, with authorities and communities preparing for the uncertain days ahead.