Valencia floods: Simeone says LaLiga games make no sense

Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone has condemned the decision to play eight LaLiga games this weekend following deadly flooding in Spain's Valencia region.

The deadliest flash floods in Spain's modern history left at least 211 people dead and dozens still missing, four days after heavy rains hit the Valencia region, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said earlier on Saturday.

Sánchez added that in recent days emergency services have carried out over 4,800 rescue operations and assisted over 30,000 people in flooded homes, streets and businesses.

A total of eight thousand soldiers are deployed to support rescue and recovery efforts, while thousands of volunteers have also helped clear roads and provide food and water to those in need.

The tragedy is already Europe's worst flood disaster since 1967, when at least 500 people died in Portugal.

Saturday's clash between Valencia and Real Madrid and Villarreal against Rayo Vallecano are among several games postponed over the weekend following flooding, while the regional government declared three days of mourning.

“It doesn’t make any sense,” Simeone told reporters ahead of his team’s home game against Las Palmas on Sunday.

“What is happening is very hard. It’s moving to see the people who have taken to the streets to help, who are trying to work together with a shovel and their tools.”

“That speaks very well for the country, for the people and we want to help where we can. There are people who are doing very badly. It's very sad and they tell us to move on and here we are, moving on.”

Osasuna striker Ante Budimir showed his support for the victims of the disaster on Saturday, celebrating his goal against Real Valladolid by holding up a shirt emblazoned with a message of solidarity.

A minute's silence will be observed before every LaLiga game played this weekend, while the league is also working with the Red Cross charity to raise money for those affected by the flooding.

Atlético, fifth in the LaLiga standings with 20 points from 11 games, hosts 18th-placed Las Palmas and Simeone expects a tough test.

Last month, Las Palmas appointed former Espanyol coach Diego Martinez as their new coach.

“We have a difficult game against a team that has improved a lot since the coach arrived,” said Simeone.

“They are more energetic and I imagine a dangerous game, with a lot of counter-attacks and 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 always fundamental.”