2024-11-10 02:58:00
After devastating floods in eastern Spain, tens of thousands of people protested against authorities’ handling of the crisis in the coastal metropolis of Valencia. According to the representation of the Spanish Ministry of the Interior in the region, around 130,000 people gathered in the center of the provincial capital Valencia on Saturday evening.
Demonstrators walked through central Valencia on Saturday and called for the resignation of regional government leader Carlos Mazon. They shouted “murderers”. “Our hands are stained with mud, yours with blood,” one banner said in protest.
Much of the protesters’ anger was directed at the head of government of the Valencia region and politician from the conservative People’s Party PP. But Spanish Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez was also criticized by protest participants. Both politicians accuse each other of underestimating the floods caused by heavy rains in late October and of inadequately coordinating rescue operations.
Some people in the affected areas reported that warning messages arrived on their cellphones only after the flood had already swept away numerous cars. In addition to the delayed warnings, the authorities’ reaction to the disaster in around 80 cities and municipalities in the region is also criticized. Thirty-year-old protester Ana de la Rosa criticized “political warfare when it wasn’t the time, because citizens needed help and they weren’t getting it.” This would have made the authorities guilty of “manslaughter”.
Julián García, 73, accused the regional government of Mazón of not asking the central government in Madrid for the support needed after the disaster. The President of the Region must therefore resign. “Mazón resignation” can also be read on a banner at the head of the protest procession and on many self-produced posters. Even in the Spanish capital Madrid, which is not part of the Valencia region, hundreds of protesters called for Mazón’s resignation from office.
“We want to express our indignation and anger at the mismanagement of this disaster that has affected so many people,” said Anna Oliver, leader of the Accio Cultural del Pais Valenciano, one of about 30 groups organizing the protest. Spain has promised 10.6 billion in aid. euros to the victims of the catastrophic floods.
The king wants to visit the disaster area again
Despite the ongoing discontent, the Spanish king Felipe VI. After the clashes, he visited the disaster zone again on Tuesday during his first visit to Valencia. His wife, Queen Letizia, will not accompany him this time, as the royal family announced. Last Sunday the two were covered in mud and insulted in Paiporta, near the metropolis of Valencia.
The 56-year-old monarch wants to supervise the recovery and reclamation work, which is still in full swing, Madrid’s “Casa Real” reported. Around 8,500 soldiers and 10,000 officers from the national police units Policía Nacional and Guardia Civil are deployed in around 80 affected communities. Numerous buildings are still inaccessible or difficult to access, as some entrances are still blocked by destroyed cars and household goods.
The “Pirates of the Caribbean” star encourages victims
Meanwhile, Hollywood star Johnny Depp promises support. He wanted to see to what extent he could help, “in whatever form,” the 61-year-old “Pirates of the Caribbean” star said on the sidelines of the Seville European Film Festival. Depp encouraged flood victims and said his heart goes out “to those affected.” He also highlighted “the resilience of the Spanish people in events like this.”
At the end of October the east and south of Spain were hit by heavy rain; in some places it rained as much precipitation in 24 hours as in an entire year. Numerous roads turned into raging rivers and swept away cars and their occupants. According to initial information, at least 220 people died, including 212 in the Valencia region. Searches are underway for dozens of missing people and work is underway to clean up places covered in mud.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Disaster Management Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good afternoon, Dr. Ruiz. Thank you for joining us today. We’re here to discuss the recent protests in Valencia, following the devastating floods that have impacted the region.
Dr. Miguel Ruiz (DR): Good afternoon. It’s a pleasure to be here.
TNE: The protests saw around 130,000 people gather to voice their anger over the government’s response to the flooding crisis. What do you think has driven such a large turnout?
DR: The sheer scale of the disaster certainly plays a significant role. Many people lost their homes, livelihoods, and even loved ones. When government inaction seems to exacerbate suffering, it becomes a catalyst for outrage. The emotional response is compounded by the delay in emergency alerts and poor coordination in rescue operations.
TNE: Indeed. It was reported that warning messages reached some citizens only after the flood had severely impacted their areas. How does this reflect on disaster preparedness and management in Spain?
DR: This situation highlights a critical failure in emergency management systems. Effective disaster response relies heavily on timely communication and resource allocation. The fact that many people received warnings after the floods began indicates systemic inefficiencies. This should serve as a wake-up call for authorities to enhance their emergency protocols and ensure that technology is effectively used to disseminate critical information.
TNE: Protesters pointed fingers not only at regional leader Carlos Mazon but also at Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. To what extent do you think political dynamics influence disaster management efforts?
DR: Political dynamics can either hinder or help effective disaster management. Unfortunately, in this case, it seems to have created a blame game between different levels of government, which only distracts from addressing the immediate needs of affected citizens. Politicians should be working together to coordinate response efforts instead of engaging in political warfare, especially during such a critical time.
TNE: During the protests, many demonstrators accused the authorities of “manslaughter” due to their inadequate response. Is this a fair assessment?
DR: While it’s an emotionally charged accusation, it underscores the anger and frustration of communities who feel abandoned. The implications of delayed responses can indeed lead to loss of life and greater suffering. It raises ethical questions about accountability in disaster management. Those in leadership positions must recognize the weight of their decisions in times of crisis.
TNE: Some protesters have also expressed their discontent with the government’s plans for financial aid, citing that the promised €10.6 billion seems insufficient. How should authorities plan aid to ensure it meets the needs of the people?
DR: When planning aid, it’s essential to assess the actual damage and understand the specific needs of the affected populations. Authorities should involve community leaders and disaster recovery experts in developing a comprehensive strategy to ensure that the aid is not only sufficient but also reaches those who need it most. Transparency in how the funds are allocated is also crucial for rebuilding trust.
TNE: Lastly, King Felipe VI has returned to the disaster area amid ongoing discontent. What role do you think the monarchy should play in situations like this?
DR: The monarchy can play a symbolic role in unifying the nation during crises. By visiting affected areas, it can show solidarity with victims and highlight the government’s responsibilities to address the situation. However, it’s essential that such visits translate into real action and accountability, rather than just being a PR exercise.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Ruiz, for your insights on this pressing issue. As the situation in Valencia unfolds, we hope that both the government and the community can come together to find the best solutions.
DR: Thank you for having me. I share your hopes for a constructive path forward for the people of Valencia.