Spain floods: 'Heartbroken' King Charles sends emotional message to Spanish royal family

King Charles said he is 'heartbroken' by the flash floods in Spain after the death toll passed 200 and spoke of the British people's 'strong, personal ties to Spain'

King Charles has said he is 'heartbroken' by the devastating floods in Spain in a new message to the country's Royal Family.

Over 200 people died in the flash floods affecting eastern and southern parts of the country this week. The death toll is expected to rise further this weekend as authorities continue to search destroyed buildings and vehicles. More than 2,000 people remain unaccounted for.

In a letter to Spain's Felipe XI on Saturday, the King wrote: "Your Majesty, My wife and I were utterly heartbroken to learn of the destruction and devastation following the catastrophic flooding in Southern and Eastern Spain. So many in the United Kingdom have strong, personal ties to Spain, and our nations are bound by so much that we have in common.

"We extend our most sincere and heartfelt condolences to you and to the people of Spain for the tragic loss of so many lives. Our special thoughts, prayers and deepest possible sympathy are with all those who have lost loved ones and livelihoods this terrible week. Charles R."

Emergency authorities in Spain confirmed 202 deaths occurred in the eastern part of Valencia, more than 2,000 people are still unaccounted for. Approximately 1,700 soldiers are now engaged in the search and rescue efforts in the area, but the prospects of discovering additional survivors are dimming.
A significant focus for the troops has been the draining of water from submerged tunnels and car parks amid apprehensions that individuals may have been trapped there amid swift floods.

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