The government of Castilla-La Mancha has confirmed the discovery of the body of one of the four missing individuals in the town of Letur (Albacete) following devastating floods. The deceased has been identified as a man named Jonathan. Previously, three bodies were found in the days following the disaster, two women in Letur and one in Mira. Rescue teams had been searching for four missing individuals in Letur, including a married couple and two municipal workers. Efforts to locate them were aided by canine search teams, leading to the discovery of human remains belonging to Jonathan, who was married to the missing woman. Search operations continue for the two municipal workers who were last seen being swept away by the floodwaters.
In Valencia, cleanup efforts are underway in the aftermath of the storms that claimed 211 lives in the province. Emergency teams are still searching for possible victims in the 70 affected municipalities. The situation on the roads remains chaotic, with significant traffic congestion around Valencia. Thousands of firefighters, military personnel, and police officers are involved in rescue and cleanup operations across the region. While most of the electrical and water supply has been restored, authorities advise the use of bottled water for human consumption due to possible contamination.
The roadways leading to the affected towns are covered in mud and debris, making passage extremely difficult. Volunteers equipped with brooms and masks are working tirelessly to access the affected areas. The Spanish NGO Open Arms is collaborating with firefighting and civil protection services in various municipalities, including Alfafar, where efforts are focused on clearing flooded garages. Despite the visible presence of emergency personnel, the influx of volunteers, predominantly young people, continues unabated, with hundreds offering their assistance in the cleanup efforts.
In Chiva, 130 families have been evacuated as a precaution due to the risks posed by flooding. The local authorities are overseeing damage assessments and expanding evacuations in affected areas. The municipality of Paiporta, which has reported a high number of fatalities, is struggling to cope with the aftermath of the disaster. Calls have been made for additional support to coordinate administrative tasks, as local officials are overwhelmed and working around the clock to assist residents. Various facilities in Valencia, including Feria Valencia, are being repurposed to aid in logistical and humanitarian operations, including serving as temporary shelters and distribution centers for donations.
Meteorologically, the storms over Valencia have subsided, but the effects will be felt for a long time in terms of reconstruction. Catalonia, also impacted by heavy rainfall, is gradually returning to normalcy, with some transportation disruptions still present. The Spanish government has announced a 10.6 billion euro aid package for the flood victims, including direct assistance, tax benefits, and new support measures for those affected physically or psychologically. The Congress of Deputies has allocated 30 million euros from its budget for immediate assistance, with lawmakers from affected areas able to participate in parliamentary activities remotely. These coordinated efforts are aimed at providing relief to those affected by the catastrophic floods.
