Man dies in Valencia during flood cleanup efforts

OVIEDO, Spain

One man died on Sunday and another was injured while inspecting a school damaged by recent catastrophic flooding in Valencia.

Nearly a month ago, record-breaking rains in the area caused extreme flash flooding and killed at least 229 people, according to the latest government figures.

The rivers that ripped through the streets of several towns also caused billions of dollars worth of damage to buildings, infrastructure and businesses. Many parts of the affected area are still damaged and covered in mud.

The school in the town of Massanassa was one of the thousands of badly damaged buildings.

As two workers were inspecting the school, which has been shut down since the deadly disaster, part of the roof collapsed, killing a 51-year-old man and injuring a 35-year-old.

“I would like to thank and acknowledge the work of all those who are tirelessly engaged in the recovery efforts,” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez posted on X, sending his condolences to the victim’s loved ones.

“This type of accident cannot happen again,” Valencian President Carlos Mazon wrote on X.

Sunday’s victims were working for a public company in the region’s gargantuan cleanup efforts.

Besides local workers, firefighters and volunteers, nearly 8,500 military officers and 9,750 national police officers have been deployed to help restore normalcy to the devastated area.

Nearly one month after the floods, at least 16,000 children affected by the floods have not returned to school, according to El Pais daily.

Similarly, only 365 social housing units are available in the area despite 2,147 homes having been rendered uninhabitable.

El Pais said although the situation in flood-struck areas has improved in recent weeks, the lives of residents, basic services and business activity are still far from normal.

So far, the Spanish government has announced €14.4 billion ($15 billion) in financial aid to help affected households and businesses.

The premier has called this the worst natural disaster in the country's modern history.

Meanwhile, five people remain missing, and search efforts continue to locate their bodies.