New aerial pics show apocalyptic destruction from flooding in Spain as army deployed to worst-hit areas after 158 killed
HARROWING new aerial pics show how Valencia has been transformed into an apocalyptic wasteland following Spain’s deadly floods.
Officials say 158 people have been killed so far with many fearing the casualties will continue to rise in the coming days as the army begins to be rolled out.
Images from Thursday afternoon show the aftermath of the country’s worst natural disaster in living history.
Hundreds of abandoned cars and trucks can be seen trapped in murky brown sludge on the highway.
Civilians were made to ditch their motors as the torrential rainfall and flash floods engulfed much of eastern Spain on Tuesday.
Spain’s transport minister has been one of many officials scrambling to try and contain the crisis.
But Oscar Puente warned today that he expects rescuers to make a number of grim finds when they can finally begin to clear the roads.
Further pictures show how debris has been launched across fields and streets.
A boat can be seen stranded in a farmer’s field as a host of other items have also been strewn across Valencia.
The horror condition Spain is still left in after the past few days has promoted a major escalation in the clean-up operations.
Valencia’s regional president has called on the Spanish military to help rescue and ultimately recover those still trapped in their homes and major flood zones.
In a post on X Carlos Mazon said: “I have just requested the incorporation of the army and the available land, sea and air forces to reinforce the logistical tasks and the distribution of aid to the population.
“The Military Emergency Unit informs me that tomorrow (Friday) at 8am a first wave will join to work during the day.”
There are already over 1,000 soldiers from Spain’s emergency rescue units in Valencia.
So far, 158 people have been confirmed dead due to the terrifying flooding.
Government officials added the number of missing people is still unknown as some areas are still impossible to safely enter.
Thousands have been rescued by neighbours, rescue crews and heroic civilians with footage showing some of these miraculous recoveries.
Video captured the moment one man in a bright yellow top smashed through a glass door to save children from drowning.
He was forced to wade through the murky water which had risen to waist height before saving several terrified locals.
Elsewhere, brave rescuers airlifted a baby and an elderly woman from the devastating Spanish floods.
Spain’s military emergency unit were captured rescuing some of the affected area’s most vulnerable people.
Footage showed how an elderly woman, who seemed to be unable to move, was airlifted in a metal cage.
The roads below her were seen to be covered in mud and cars were piled up on debris.
A separate video showed the heartbreaking moment a baby was saved and airlifted onto a plane in a rescuer’s arms, in the country’s worst hit region of Valencia.
Across the region, trees had been uprooted in the storms and cars had piled up on each other like dominoes.
Powerlines were also brought down as they strength of the unexpected torrent even tore apart bridges sat in its way.
A terrifying video caught the moment an entire bridge in Paiporta, Valencia, where at least 40 people have died, was wiped out in seconds.
It comes as further rainfall is expected tomorrow and in the coming days.
Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sanchez has declared Valencia a disaster zone as he warned the public about the incoming weather.
He said: “The most important thing is that I know Spanish people are aware that this phenomenon has not finished.
“All of those who have been affected, please stay at home.”
Among the chaos many people in the suffering region have turned to looting to take advantage of the horrifying situation.
Police have arrested 39 people who were allegedly stealing from closed shops today.
Picture show shops fronts across the region have been smashed up and he shelves emptied.
Cops were sent out to patrol shopping centres with criminals said to be targeting electronics, according to El Pais.