A FLOODED underground car park in Valencia has sparked fears of a “mass grave” as torrential rain batters the holiday island of Majorca.
The number of people killed by the devastating floods has risen from 207 to 211 – and is expected to climb much higher as 2,000 people are still missing across Spain.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced on Saturday that 5,000 soldiers will be deployed – 4,000 today and 1,000 tomorrow morning – on top of the at least 2,000 already on the ground.
A further 5,000 police officers will also be deployed to flood-hit areas, as well as a Spanish navy ship to accommodate helicopters.
Addressing the nation, the PM said: “We are talking about the largest deployment of state security forces and bodies of the armed forces that has ever been made in our country in times of peace.”
Parts of Majorca are under storm lockdown this weekend due to heavy rainfall and severe floods, with residents and tourists being urged to stay indoors.
Dramatic footage shows drivers navigating through high floodwaters and massive water torrents rushing across towns as the storm has pounded coastal areas and flooded roadways.
After posting a video of a terrifying lighting show over her villa, a tourist said Friday night’s storm “brought heavy downpour and strong thunderstorms”.
The weather system, she claimed, had left “parts of the island no longer accessible” and some roads unusable.
Some motorists were also reportedly rescued from their vehicles in the well-known coastal resort of Santa Ponca.
Local officials said that advising people to stay at home has somewhat reduced the severity of the tragedy as no fatalities have been reported so far across the Brit hotspot island.
A severe weather front passed through the Balearics Friday night, pouring more than 100 litres of water per square metre, according to the State Meteorological Agency.
Emergency services responded to 87 incidents, the majority of which were flooding on public highways and in basements.
Palma’s major seafront was cordoned off with red tape, and the streets were almost deserted yesterday.
Public parks, gardens, and cemeteries are all closed until Monday, and homeless people have been moved from flood areas.
Javier Bonet, Palma’s deputy mayor, warned people to not leave their homes unless “absolutely necessary”.
He said: “We are not on red alert, but it is essential to warn the population to avoid greater risks.”
The worst of the storm appears to have passed, according to emergency services, but the public is advised to be vigilant as heavy rains persist in several regions.
The extreme conditions are expected to ease today.
Meanwhile, a flooded underground shopping centre car park entrance has sparked fears firefighters will find a mass grave when they pump out the water.
Source: https://www.the-sun.com/news/12804729/mass-grave-flooded-car-park-valencia/