Spain marks one-year anniversary of deadly Valencia floods with state funeral

Spain held a state funeral on Wednesday to honor the 237 victims of the deadly Valencia floods that struck on October 29, 2024, the most catastrophic flooding in Europe in more than five decades.

Relatives of the victims, accompanied by King Felipe and Queen Letizia, laid a wreath adorned with red and yellow ribbons, the colors of the Spanish flag, in tribute to those who lost their lives.

In his speech, King Felipe urged authorities to examine the causes of the tragedy to “calmly draw the lessons needed to improve our ability to face future catastrophes and to avoid or minimize their most severe consequences.”

Virginia Ortiz, a relative of a victim, criticized Valencia regional leader Carlos Mazón, saying: “It was not the phenomenon itself that caused the catastrophe we have suffered. It is the person who knowingly fails in their duty… who commits the original act that results in these deaths.” Her remarks prompted rounds of applause, and some relatives shouted demands for Mazón’s resignation.

Naiara Chulia, another relative, reflected on the human toll: “In this room there are 237 stories with names and surnames, with shattered families and broken dreams. We must not forget that there are families who have lost more than one loved one, including children with their whole lives ahead of them.”

Authorities continue to recover victims buried in the mud, highlighting the enduring impact of the flash floods, which swept away bridges, cars, and people, and inundated homes and underground car parks.

A court is investigating Mazón’s handling of the emergency, including reports that he took a nearly four-hour lunch during a critical emergency services meeting. Mazón has refused to provide details but insists he was kept informed by phone throughout the crisis.

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