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Alex Kirkland, ESPN FC
Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone has condemned the decision to go ahead with eight LaLiga games this weekend after fatal flooding in Spain’s Valencia region.
The deadliest flash floods in Spain’s modern history have killed at least 211 people and dozens were still unaccounted for, four days after torrential rains swept the region of Valencia, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said earlier on Saturday.
Sánchez added that emergency services had carried out over 4800 rescues in the days since, and helped over 30,000 people in flooded homes, roads and businesses.
A total of eight thousand soldiers are being deployed to assist in rescue and recovery efforts, while thousands of volunteers have also been helping to clear streets and provide food and water to those in need.
The tragedy is already Europe’s worst flood-related disaster since 1967 when at least 500 people died in Portugal.
Saturday’s clash between Valencia and Real Madrid, as well as Villarreal versus Rayo Vallecano are among several games postponed over the weekend after the floods, while the regional government has declared three days of mourning.
“It doesn’t make any sense,” Simeone told reporters ahead of his side’s home game against Las Palmas on Sunday.
“What is happening is very tough. It’s moving, seeing the people who’ve gone out into the streets to help, who with a shovel and their tools are trying to collaborate.
“That speaks very well of the country, of the people and we want to help where we can. There are people having a very bad time. It is very sad, and they tell us to carry on, and here we are, carrying on.”
Osasuna forward Ante Budimir showed his support for the casualties of the disaster on Saturday, celebrating his goal against Real Valladolid by holding up a shirt emblazoned with a message of solidarity.
A moment’s silence is taking place before each LaLiga game being played this weekend, while the league is also collaborating with the charity the Red Cross to help raise money for those affected by the flooding.
Atlético, fifth in the LaLiga standings with 20 points from 11 matches, host 18th-placed Las Palmas and Simeone expects a tough test.
Last month, Las Palmas named former Espanyol boss Diego Martinez as their new coach.
“We have a tough game against a team that has improved a lot since the arrival of the coach,” Simeone said.
“They are more forceful and I imagine a dangerous game, with a lot of counter-attacking, fast people in attack and we will try to have a game with these situations under control and get it out with the help of our fans, which is always fundamental.”