**Spain Deploys Troops to Flood-Ravaged Valencia as Criticism Mounts**

In the wake of devastating floods that have wreaked havoc across the Valencia region, Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has sanctioned the deployment of an additional 5,000 soldiers along with 5,000 police officers and civil guards to aid in the relief efforts. The decision follows mounting criticism from residents over the local authorities' handling of the flooding, which has left 211 people confirmed dead—a figure that is expected to rise.

The catastrophic floods, triggered by heavy rains that began on Monday, destroyed bridges, buried towns under mud, and left communities isolated without water, food, or electricity. The prime minister described the mobilization as Spain's largest peacetime deployment, in response to one of Europe’s most severe flood disasters this century.

Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Sánchez conceded that "the response that is being given is not enough," highlighting the severe shortages and operational challenges still facing rescue teams. "There are desperate people searching for their relatives. People who cannot access their homes. Homes destroyed and buried by mud," Sánchez said, underlining the urgent need for improvement in the relief efforts.

Currently, around 1,700 soldiers are engaged in search and rescue missions in the Valencia region, though the hope of finding more survivors diminishes as the days pass. Much of their effort is concentrated on pumping water from underground tunnels and car parks, amid fears people may have been trapped when the water levels surged.

Local journalist Paco Polit informed the BBC that the arrival of the new troops would expedite rescue operations, bringing essential heavy machinery such as bulldozers and trucks. Despite these reinforcements, some areas continue to struggle with a lack of basic necessities. Sánchez has vowed relentless efforts to ensure aid reaches everyone affected and has called for national unity in these trying times.

In addition to deploying troops, the government has restored electricity to over 90% of affected homes and reinstated nearly half of the disrupted telephone services. To facilitate the distribution of financial aid, 100 interim civil servants have been authorized by the government.

Residents' frustration has been palpable, with many criticizing the slow response and insufficient warnings in the lead-up to the flooding. Amparo Andres, a shop owner in Valencia, recounted her harrowing experience, stating, "At least I'm alive, but I've lost everything. My business, my home." Critically, she added, "the government isn't doing anything. Only the young people around are helping us."

Despite these criticisms, volunteer efforts have surged, driven largely by young people coordinating on social media. Thousands have rallied to the most affected areas, with at least 15,000 volunteers arriving at the Ciutat de les Arts museum on Saturday to contribute to the clean-up efforts. Sixteen-year-old Pedro Francisco exemplified this spirit of solidarity, stating, "We have to do whatever we can. It's just terrible to see what has happened."

As Spain grapples with this natural disaster, the calls for a more effective and timely response grow louder, both from local residents and federal critics. Sánchez remains committed to doing "whatever it takes" to support those afflicted by the massive flooding.