Death toll from floods in Spain rises to over 200

The death toll from the recent floods in Spain has reached 219, with the overwhelming majority of victims reported in the Valencian Community on the eastern coast of the country.

The number of missing people has risen to 93. Authorities also clarified that 54 of those who perished in the disaster have yet to be identified. Earlier reports indicated 217 fatalities and 89 missing people, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

The flooding began on October 29, following a period of intense rainfall. Floodwaters quickly caused bridges to collapse and enveloped towns in thick mud. Many communities were cut off, left without access to water, food, electricity and other basic services.

Almost all of the deaths confirmed so far have been in the Valencia region on the Mediterranean coast. Some areas have been particularly devastated. Spain's meteorological agency AEMET issued its highest level of alert for parts of southern Valencia - including the cities of Alzira, Cullera and Gandia. DANA Desaparecidos is a social media effort to find those still unaccounted for in the devastating flash floods that swept through eastern Spain. At least 217 people are confirmed dead and the toll may climb higher.

At least 89 people are unaccounted for, the high court of the Valencia region said, marking the first time officials have released data on the missing. Those numbers only include cases where families have provided information or biological samples to identify their relatives.

“There are still missing people to find, homes and businesses destroyed, buried under mud, and many people suffering from severe shortages,” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said, pledging 10.6 billion euros ($11.4 billion) to help victims.

By Naila Huseynova