Hundreds of people expressed their anger towards Spain’s King Felipe, Queen Letizia, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and Valencia’s regional leader Carlos Mazón during an official visit to the flood-stricken municipality of Paiporta on Sunday.
Hecklers threw mud and shouted “murderers” as the officials attempted to survey the damage caused by the recent catastrophic floods, which have resulted in a rising death toll of 217.
The protests highlighted a growing sentiment of abandonment among residents grappling with the aftermath of the disaster.
Many were incensed by a delayed emergency alert that came only after floodwaters began surging, leaving them to fend for themselves.
The discontent was particularly directed at Prime Minister Sánchez, with demands for his resignation echoing through the crowd.
One local stated, “People are very angry. Pedro Sánchez should have been here on day one with a shovel.”
Despite the chaos, King Felipe continued the visit, meeting with distressed locals. One man confronted the king, questioning why residents were left to manage alone in the wake of the floods, insisting, “You’re four days too late.”
King Felipe meets distressed residents, acknowledging their anger over delayed emergency response measures.He also criticized the regional government’s civil protection service for failing to act promptly, leading to further devastation.
In a response captured on video, King Felipe acknowledged the public’s frustration and the difficulty in understanding emergency operations amid such crises.
The royal palace later announced that his plans for a second visit to another affected town were postponed due to the escalating tensions.
As municipalities grapple with the extent of the destruction, calls for immediate aid have intensified. Guillermo Luján, the mayor of Aldaia, voiced a desperate plea for assistance, stating, “We need to start over and I’m begging for help.”
His town is in ruins, with heavy machinery needed to clear debris and vehicles from the streets.
Local officials described the situation as dire, with access to some areas still restricted.
Mayor Maribel Albalat of Paiporta reported that parts of the town remain inaccessible and confirmed that the death toll in her area had reached 70, a number expected to rise as recovery efforts continue.
In response to the devastation, Prime Minister Sánchez announced the deployment of 10,000 troops and police to assist with recovery efforts, acknowledging the slow response and the severe challenges facing impacted communities.
Meanwhile, thousands of volunteers have stepped in, bringing shovels, brooms, and supplies to help with the cleanup, demonstrating a spirit of solidarity amidst the tragedy.
As heavy rain is forecasted to continue, the urgency for action remains high, and the public’s demand for accountability from their leaders is louder than ever.