“The government is not doing anything. Only young people are helping us”: the outrage over insufficient help in the tragedy in Spain

Another 500 soldiers have been deployed to the Valencia region, as residents criticize local authorities for their response to the catastrophic floods that have hit the area.

At least 211 people died in and around Valencia, but the death toll is expected to rise further.

Heavy rains that began on Monday have caused flooding that has collapsed bridges and covered entire towns in mud, leaving communities isolated and without water, food or electricity.

Thousands of people have traveled to rural areas to help with cleanup tasks.

On Friday, authorities announced that traffic in the region would be restricted over the weekend to ensure access for emergency workers.

The weather alerts that remain in force in the northeast and south of Spain will be extended until Sunday, while in the Balearic Islands another alert has been issued for this Saturday.

Some 1,700 soldiers are already working in search operations and rescue in the Valencian Community, although there is less and less hope of finding more survivors.

Part of the focus is on pumping water out of underground tunnels and car parks, where it is feared people are trapped due to water ingress.

“Everything has disappeared”

Paco Polit, a journalist in Valencia, told the BBC that the new troops will bring heavy machinery, excavators and trucks, and will help improve the speed and organization of rescue efforts.

Local authorities face criticism and say the response has been slow in coming. Also They criticize the lack of prior warnings to floods.

Amparo Andrés, who has owned a business in Valencia for 40 years, told the BBC that the water from the building reached her neck and she thought she was going to die.

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

“And the government is not doing anything. It is only the young people who help us.”

After returning home, Juan Pérez, a resident of the area, stated that he lost “my whole life, my memories.

“My parents lived there. And now, overnight, everything has disappeared.”