Outrage in Valencia As 130,000 Protest Spain’s Response to Deadly Floods
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – An estimated 130,000 people took to the streets of Valencia on Saturday, protesting the government’s handling of recent catastrophic floods that claimed over 220 lives, demanding accountability from regional officials.
Tens of thousands of protesters filled the streets of Valencia, condemning the political response to devastating floods that left at least 223 people dead.
The crowd, carrying a banner that called for the resignation of Valencia's regional president, Carlos Mazon, expressed anger over what they deemed mismanagement and neglect.
The protest, originally organized as a silent march, quickly became vocal, with chants such as “Murderer,” “While he was dining, the people were drowning,” and “We are covered in mud, you are covered in blood” echoing through the city center.
Tensions escalated as protesters clashed with police outside Valencia’s city hall, adding to the night’s intensity.
Organizers of the march called the Valencian government “incompetent,” asserting that the entire cabinet should resign.
“They didn’t know how to manage a natural catastrophe, they didn’t know how to alert us on time, they didn’t know how to organize the cleanup, and of course, they will not be able to handle the reconstruction that Valencia needs,” a spokesperson for the protest told Europa Press.
Twelve days after the storm system hit, authorities have confirmed 223 deaths, with 48 bodies yet to be identified, according to Transport Minister Oscar Puente. Another 78 people remain missing.
Much of the criticism targets the Valencian government for delayed emergency alerts, which were sent to residents’ phones only after the worst of the flooding had passed.
This delay, many believe, left victims unprepared, especially those trapped in vehicles or on lower floors of buildings.
Spanish media reported this week that Mazon was reportedly at an extended lunch with a journalist until 6 p.m. on the day of the floods, arriving over two hours late to an emergency meeting where alerts were discussed.
Protesters also highlighted the sluggish response time, noting that some towns remained cut off for days before aid reached them.
Four days after the disaster, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez acknowledged shortcomings, stating that authorities “must do better.”
Critics have also faulted Spain's central government for declining to declare a state of emergency, which would have enabled more coordinated responses.
