Police Officer Used a Bedsheet to Save Woman from Flood Waters

in the middle Major flood disaster in Spain In the accident in which more than 200 people lost their lives so far, another disaster was prevented when a police officer rescued a woman from flood waters using a sheet.

Policia Nacional (Spanish National Police) he said in a post on Facebook It was reported on Thursday, October 31, and later by. storiedA woman was seen holding on to a makeshift rope made of sheets to pull herself out of the 1.8 meter deep water, which also contained submerged vehicles.

“Our police sub-inspector colleague Daniel was off duty last night to keep afloat a neighbor in Benetússer,” Policía Nacional said in a Spanish-language post.

“A few minutes ago, he saved another neighbor with the rope he made from sheets,” the ministry added.

In an interview with a Spanish television broadcaster RTVEThe officer said “the woman wanted to let him go” but “put her heart and soul into reminding him that he had grandchildren and family.”

PEOPLE contacted Polica Nacional on Friday, November 1, for additional information.

Never miss a story — sign up PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter To stay up to date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling juicy stories.

The incident comes as Spain is struggling with flash floods that started with a rainstorm on Tuesday, October 29, and continued until Wednesday, October 30, covering the southern and eastern parts of the country, from Malaga to Valencia. Associated Press.

Accordingly Reuters And BBCA year’s worth of rain fell in about eight hours in Valencia.

As of November 1, more than 200 people have died due to floods. CNN And Reuters reported.

Valencia’s Adan Ortell Mor said: CNN He said he initially had an appointment for a haircut on the evening of October 29, but canceled it due to heavy traffic. When he got home, he heard reports of cars being swept away by flood waters.

“I ran to the balcony, looked to the side and there was water coming from there. “It was already at my door,” he told the outlet.

according to Spanish Ministry of DefenseIn response to the tragedy, 1,200 soldiers were deployed and were joined by another 500 soldiers.

“They all united to help where it was needed, for as long as it was needed,” according to a Nov. 1 Department of Defense post on X.

In the statement made on October 30, spanish government Following the destruction, which will continue until Saturday, November 2, 3 days of mourning have been declared.

On October 31, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called on citizens to stay at home and “please obey the calls of the emergency services.” “The most important thing right now is to save as many lives as possible.” Guard reported.