Spain's government is deploying thousands of troops to regions devastated by flash floods that have killed at least 217 people, as anger mounts over the official response to the disaster.

Chaotic scenes unfolded over the weekend as furious locals pelted Spain's King Felipe and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez with mud during a visit to one of the hardest-hit towns. Rescue teams are still searching for survivors, focusing on a submerged parking garage in Valencia's largest shopping mall.

Authorities have admitted they don't know exactly how many people are still missing, but a morgue has been prepared to receive up to 400 bodies.

The scale of the destruction has overwhelmed regional authorities, with poor coordination and communication exacerbating the crisis. Opposition leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo has called for Sanchez to declare a national emergency to take control from the Valencia regional authorities.

The weather continues to threaten further tragedy, with a red alert issued for Barcelona, where heavy rains have caused travel chaos across the region. Dozens of flights have been canceled or delayed, and at least 150 kilometers of roads in Valencia remain impassable.

Political divisions between the national and regional governments have compounded frustration, with citizens accusing both sides of failing to coordinate an effective emergency response. The result is renewed pressure on Sanchez's already fragile coalition, which relies on regional parties to maintain its majority.

(Cover image: Damage caused by flash floods in Paiporta, Valencia, Spain, November 4, 2024. /CFP)