By Susana Vera and Guillermo Martinez

Deadly Flash Floods in Valencia, Spain

VALENCIA, Spain (Reuters) – The deadliest flash floods in Spain's modern history have claimed at least 211 lives, with many still unaccounted for, four days after torrential rains struck the eastern region of Valencia. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced this on Saturday.

In a televised statement, Sanchez stated that the government is deploying 5,000 additional army troops to assist with search and clean-up efforts, adding to the 2,500 soldiers already on the ground.

> "It is the biggest operation by the Armed Forces in Spain in peacetime," Sanchez said. “The government is going to mobilize all the resources necessary as long as they are needed.”

This disaster marks Europe's worst flood-related tragedy since 1967, when over 500 fatalities were reported in Portugal.

Volunteers have gathered at Valencia's City of Arts and Sciences for the first coordinated clean-up organized by regional authorities. This location has become the central hub for operations.

On Friday, the mass influx of volunteers complicated access for professional emergency workers, leading authorities to develop a strategic plan for deployment.

Rafael Armero, 19, from the suburb of Alfafar, shared, “I have been going around the town for three days helping everyone who needs it. We have a backpack full of food and water for anyone who needs it.”

As of Friday, over 90% of households in Valencia had regained electricity, according to utility Iberdrola, although thousands in inaccessible areas remained without power.

The storm also prompted a new weather alert in the Balearic Islands, Catalonia, and Valencia, with continued rainfall expected over the weekend.