1,200 Trapped in Cars as Spain Faces Fury Over 'Authorities' Failure'

Thousands left stranded after Storm Gloria batters eastern Spain

1200 trapped in cars after Storm Gloria batters eastern Spain

Storm Gloria has ravaged eastern Spain, leaving thousands stranded in their cars as roads became impassible. Around 1,200 drivers were trapped on a motorway near Valencia, with helicopters called in to rescue those stranded in flooded vehicles.

The storm, which brought heavy rain and snow, has caused widespread damage across the region, with many towns and villages cut off. Schools have been closed and rail services have been suspended.

The Spanish government has been accused of failing to adequately prepare for the storm, with local officials saying they were not given enough warning to put emergency plans in place.

'Authorities failed to prepare'

"The authorities have failed us," said local mayor Ximo Puig. "We were not given enough warning about the storm, and we were not prepared for its impact."

Puig said that the government had not provided enough resources to help those affected by the storm, and that many people were still without power and water.

"People are angry and frustrated," said Puig. "They feel that the government has let them down."

Government defends response

The Spanish government has defended its response to the storm, saying that it had done everything it could to help those affected.

"We have mobilized all of our resources to help those affected by the storm," said government spokesperson Isabel Celaá.

Celáa said that the government had sent in emergency teams to help with the rescue and recovery effort, and that it was working to restore power and water to those who had been affected.