Spain’s PM orders thousands more troops and police to flood-hit Valencia

The prime minister said he was aware “the response that is being given is not enough” and acknowledged “severe problems and shortages”.

He said there are still “desperate people searching for their relatives. People who cannot access their homes. Homes destroyed and buried by mud. I know we have to do better.”

Weather warnings remain in force in north-eastern and southern Spain through Sunday, while another was 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 were trapped as water surged in.

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

Sánchez said some places are still “suffering from lack of basic resources”.

He vowed that teams would work tirelessly until aid reaches everybody and people’s lives have returned to normality – and called for national unity.

Authorities have restored electricity to more than 90% of homes, and brought back almost half of telephone lines that had gone down, he added.

The government also authorised 100 interim civil servants to help distribute financial aid.

Carlos Mazon, president of the Valencian government, said all town centres in the region have basic food, health centres and medical centres running.

He offered “heartfelt thanks” to volunteers, but added looting was increasing insecurity in the region.

“I hope those who are guilty will be brought to justice,” he said. “Nobody can use a catastrophe to steal or profit, nobody.”