Thousands protest in Valencia over the handling of the Spanish flood disaster
Reuters
Tens of thousands of protesters filled the streets of Valencia on Saturday (9 November) to demand accountability for the regional government's handling of catastrophic floods that have claimed the lives of more than 220 people. In one of Europe’s deadliest natural disasters in decades, the floodwaters devastated the Valencia province, leaving nearly 80 people still missing.
As protesters gathered in the city centre, many called for the resignation of regional leader Carlos Mazon, accusing him of mishandling the crisis. Demonstrators shouted chants of "Killers!" and held signs reading, "Our hands are stained with mud, yours with blood," as they plastered the Valencia Regional Government Palace with muddy handprints, a symbol of their anger and frustration.
The demonstration, organized by over 30 civil groups, was a response to what residents describe as delayed emergency action. Protesters claim that Mazon issued an alert too late, hours after water had already inundated villages across the region. He's defended his handling of the crisis.
Some local municipalities and even the University of Valencia raised alarms ahead of the regional government, with warnings starting as early as 28 October. National weather servies issued a red alert for heavy rain on the Tuesday morning at 7:30am 29 October. This is the highest level of warning. Some areas were flooding by 6pm. Mazon's administration then sent out alerts to mobile phones after 8pm. Many believe that local authorities failed to act swiftly enough, contributing to the widespread devastation.
“It’s a weather phenomenon. Of course, it couldn’t have been avoided, but the magnitude of the consequences could have been,” said Yao, a 21-year-old student. "And certainly, this has happened as a result of our politicians and their actions."
While the protest remained largely peaceful, tensions flared as some demonstrators threw objects at police officers and clashed with authorities, leading to brief scuffles.
Several protesters held signs with personal messages, such as one reading, “My father died because of your incompetence, murderers.”
In front of the government building, protesters left behind muddy shoes and clothes. The mood was intense, with demonstrators chanting "Murder, murder" and waving their phones aloft, lighting up the square with their screens.
The protest, while an expression of collective anger, also highlighted the region’s deep sense of loss and the growing demand for justice in the wake of the disaster.
Spain has announced an aid package worth more than 10 billion euros to help those affected by the disaster.
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