Spain throws more money at disaster

Madrid - Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez yesterday announced almost €2.3 billion (nearly R44 billion) in new aid for the country's flood-stricken region as he defended his government's handling of the deadly disaster last month.

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The European country is still reeling from the 29 October floods that killed at least 229 people, washed away roads and rail lines, submerged fields and gutted homes and businesses, mainly in the eastern region of Valencia.

Spain's worst natural disaster in decades has sparked widespread fury at elected leaders for their perceived mishandling of the crisis.

Sanchez announced a fresh package of 60 measures for stricken citizens worth nearly €2.3 billion that brought the total aid provided in the wake of the disaster to €16.6 billion.