Spain's King Felipe VI Faces Public Anger and Mud in Flood-Affected Valencia
The death toll from Spain's devastating floods has risen to 217, with thousands more left to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives. On Sunday, King Felipe VI and top government officials faced the wrath of flood survivors in Paiporta, one of the hardest-hit areas, where over 60 people lost their lives.
As the royal contingent walked through the mud-covered streets, they were met with a barrage of mud, shovels, and poles wielded threateningly by the crowd. Police on horseback struggled to keep back the angry protesters, who shouted "Get out! Get out!" and "Killers!" Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez was quickly evacuated from the scene, but King Felipe VI remained calm, making efforts to speak to individual residents and offering words of comfort.
One person wept on the king's shoulder, while another shook his hand. Queen Letizia also engaged with the crowd, speaking to women with mud-stained hands and arms. The queen was told, "We don't have any water," a stark reminder of the ongoing crisis. Many residents are still without drinking water five days after the floods struck.
The floods, which began on Tuesday, have destroyed thousands of homes and left city blocks clogged with debris and mud. The public's anger boiled over on Sunday, fueled by the perceived tardy response from authorities. Regional officials issued a mobile alert two hours too late, and the cleanup efforts have been slow. Residents and volunteers have taken it upon themselves to clear the mud and debris.
As the king's visit came to an end, protesters demanded accountability from regional Valencia President Carlo Mazon and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. One woman's desperate cry, "Don't abandon us," echoed through the streets. The monarchs departed with a mounted police escort, but not before one woman smacked an official car with an umbrella and another kicked it.
This tragic event is Spain's worst natural disaster in living memory, and the government's response will be scrutinized in the days to come.
More photos below.
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