The Spanish government said on Monday it was sending 7,500 troops to the country’s eastern region, which has been devastated by flooding.
The army sent about 5,000 troops earlier this week to help distribute food and water, clean streets and protect shops and property from looters.

Defence Minister Margarita Robles Fernandez told state radio RENE that another 2,500 soldiers would join them, according to Reuters.

The death toll from the worst flash floods in Spain’s recent history rose to 217 on Sunday, mostly in the Valencia region and more than 60 in the suburb of Paiporta.