The floods in Spain

The Prime Minister's message after the crisis meeting - sending 10,000 soldiers and police

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has on Saturday participated in a crisis meeting together with parts of the government to discuss the major floods in Valencia, reports AFP.

Carlos Mazón, regional leader in Valencia, requested earlier in the day that the armed forces contribute an additional 5⁠ 000 soldiers to the major effort that is underway in the region. His request was answered by Sánchez.

In addition, additional police officers and people from the Spanish Civil Guard are being sent to the area, which means that the relief effort is being strengthened by 10⁠ 000 people.

- It is the largest deployment of the armed forces that has been made in Spain during peacetime, says the Prime Minister according to El País.

Disappointment and anger: "There is no leadership"

At 4 o'clock this morning, a new intense storm started in Castellón in eastern Spain, in areas where there has already been a lot of rain. Even in Valencia, the rain pours down. This is reported by the Spanish El País.

Disillusionment and anger are growing among the population. Many are tired and despairing that emergency aid such as food and water is delayed. Now the army is finally deployed. On Saturday, 500 soldiers will be stationed in the area.

Both El Diario and El Mundo report a great anger towards both local and national politicians. Sources describe how the local crisis policy was slow and ineffective when the crisis began.

- The problem is that there is no leadership, says a source.

The fact that the army is being called in only now has, for example, been blamed on Defense Minister Margarita Robles, who in turn pointed to Carlos Mazón, the president of the Valencia region's government. It led to denials and outrage.