Spain has announced a €10.6 million aid package to help rebuild regions devastated by the worst floods in a generation.
The disaster killed 218 people.
The extraordinary Mediterranean storm that lashed eastern Spain a week ago triggered torrents of muddy water that left a trail of destruction and an unknown number of missing, AFP reported.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced a series of measures including aid for small and medium-sized businesses, self-employed people and households that have suffered death, disability, damage to homes and property.
Tax restrictions and reductions, a three-month postponement of mortgage and loan payments were also among the measures announced. Their aim is to protect the economy and people's livelihood.
Security and emergency services personnel are working around the clock to rebuild damaged infrastructure, distribute aid and search for bodies in the largest peacetime deployment of Spain's armed forces.
Sanchez said nearly 15,000 military, police and Civil Guard personnel were in eastern Valencia, which has been hit the hardest by casualties and destruction, up from 7,300 on Nov. 2.
Firefighters were painstakingly searching through piles of damaged vehicles and pumping water out of flooded garages and parking lots where more victims could be found.
Maribel Albalat, mayor of the ground zero town of Payport, said they are doing "better, but not well" as many streets are still inaccessible and residents are struggling to get a phone signal.
Five working groups have been set up between the left-wing national government and the Conservative-run regional government to coordinate recovery in Valencia and overcome their sometimes contentious relationship. | BGNES
