Protests Erupt During Spanish Royals' Visit to Flood-Stricken Valencia Suburb

Valencia, November 3, 2024 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Tensions ran high on Sunday as Spanish King Felipe, Queen Letizia, and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited the Valencia suburb of Paiporta, one of the areas hardest hit by last week’s deadly floods. Hundreds of angry residents gathered to protest, with some throwing mud at the royal couple and the prime minister, venting frustration over what they say were delayed warnings and a slow response from emergency services.

Chanting “Murderers, murderers!” demonstrators accused authorities of failing to act promptly to prevent the disaster, which claimed the lives of at least 217 people, most of whom were in the Valencia region. “It was known and nobody did anything to avoid it,” a young man told King Felipe, who insisted on speaking to residents despite the hostile atmosphere. Prime Minister Sánchez, however, made a quick exit from the scene.

Footage shared online captured emotional moments as King Felipe, wearing a simple dark raincoat, comforted a man who broke down in tears. Queen Letizia was seen crying as she embraced residents, her hair and face streaked with mud. One of her bodyguards appeared to have a bloody face from an object thrown by protesters, and security personnel had to use umbrellas to shield the royals.

Blame Game Over Flood Warnings

The Spanish government has maintained that issuing flood alerts falls under the responsibility of regional authorities. Meanwhile, Valencia officials defended their actions, stating they did the best they could with the information available at the time. Prime Minister Sánchez called for unity in the face of the tragedy, adding that any potential negligence would be investigated.

Valencia’s regional president, Carlos Mazón, who also faced backlash during his visit to Paiporta, posted on social media platform X: “I understand the public anger and, of course, I will stay to receive it. It is my political and moral obligation.

The King’s attitude this morning has been exemplary.”

Unprecedented Disaster and Ongoing Relief Efforts

The flash floods, the worst in Spain’s modern history, have left thousands without power and caused widespread devastation, with streets and buildings submerged in muddy waters and cars swept away. As of Sunday, over 60 of the flood victims were from Paiporta alone, and dozens remain unaccounted for.

The government has deployed thousands of additional troops and police in what has become Spain's largest peacetime disaster relief operation. The tragedy marks Europe’s deadliest flood-related disaster in a single country since 1967, when floods in Portugal claimed over 500 lives.