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Spain sends 500 more troops to Valencia

A further 500 soldiers are being deployed to the Valencia region as residents criticise local authorities over their response to the catastrophic flooding there.

More than 200 people are known to have died, with most fatalities in and around Valencia, but the death toll is expected to rise further.

Heavy rains that began on Monday caused floods that have destroyed bridges and covered towns with mud, cutting off communities and leaving them without water, food or electricity.

Thousands of people have travelled to rural areas to help with clean-up efforts, but on Friday authorities announced that traffic in the region would be restricted over the weekend to ensure access for emergency workers.

Weather warnings that remain in force in north-eastern and southern Spain are due to last through Sunday, while another has been issued in the Balearic Islands for Saturday.

Around 1,700 soldiers are already working on search and rescue operations in the Valencia region, although hope of finding more survivors is dwindling.

Part of the focus is on pumping water out of underground tunnels and car parks, where it is feared people will have been trapped as water surged in.

Paco Polit, a journalist in Valencia, told the BBC the new troops will bring in much needed heavy machinery, bulldozers, trucks, and help to improve the speed and organisation of the rescue efforts.

Local authorities are facing criticism over the speed of the response and for a lack of warnings in advance of the flooding.

Amparo Andres, who has owned her shop in Valencia for 40 years, told the BBC that at one point the water in the building reached her neck and she believed she was going to die.

“At least I’m alive, but I’ve lost everything. My business, my home,” she said.

“And the government isn’t doing anything. Only the young people around are helping us.”

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