At least 89 are still missing after floods in the Valencia region

Spain’s Valencia region says at least 89 people are still missing after last week’s floods. This is the first time that the Spanish authorities have spoken out about the number of missing people. So far, only the death toll has been announced.

The number of missing persons was announced by the department of justice in Valencia. This only applies to people who have been reported missing in Valencia and whose relatives have provided information that helps identification, such as DNA samples, photographs and personal characteristics such as tattoos.

Justice says the number of missing people will eventually rise, as there may still be people missing who have not been reported to the authorities.

According to justice in Valencia, 133 deaths have now been identified. In most cases their identity was established on the basis of fingerprints. The death toll from the floods has risen to 218. The majority of victims occurred in the Valencia region.

Searches for victims are still ongoing in the disaster area:

Earlier today it was announced that the Spanish government is coming up with an aid package of 10.6 billion euros for the regions affected by the floods. At a press conference, Prime Minister Sánchez called the billions in aid package a good first step. “We will continue to help our people in every way as long as necessary,” he said.