In Spain, where at least 217 people died due to the worst flooding in Europe in 57 years, King Felipe VI and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez were shocked when they visited the flood site. Residents who were angry at the authorities’ delayed response hurled a shower of mud and curses.
According to the BBC, King Felipe VI visited Paiporta, Valencia, where at least 62 people lost their lives due to floods on the 3rd, along with Queen Letizia, Prime Minister Sánchez, and Valencia Governor Carlos Masson. However, residents threw mud and objects at them and shouted, “Murderers” and “Shame on you.” Bodyguards rushed to protect them with umbrellas, but King Felipe and his wife were seen with mud on their faces and clothes. According to the BBC, stones were thrown at Prime Minister Sánchez’s vehicle as he was fleeing the scene to avoid attacks from residents.
In Spain, it is very unusual for people to throw objects or swear at the king. This is proof that residents’ anger has reached its peak. In response, King Felipe VI later comforted the residents in a social media video, saying, “I understand the anger and frustration of the residents.” Prime Minister Sánchez also said at a press conference on the 2nd, “We will dispatch 10,000 additional soldiers and police,” and added, “I am aware of the response that our response was not sufficient.”
The Spanish disaster began on the 29th of last month, right after heavy rain fell. Bridges collapsed, villages were covered in mud, and many areas were isolated. Basic services such as water, food, and electricity were not available for several days. As of the 3rd, the number of deaths was confirmed to be at least 217, and the number is likely to increase as many people are missing. Local media reported, “This is the worst flood disaster to occur in Europe since the 1967 flood in Portugal that killed at least 500 people.”
The affected residents believe that this disaster was a man-made disaster caused by the authorities’ inadequate response. In fact, it is known that it took more than 10 hours for emergency disaster safety messages to be sent to local residents after the Spanish Meteorological Agency issued a ‘red warning’ for heavy rain. It is believed that the casualties have increased due to the slow response of the authorities. Some point out that the response was further delayed because Governor Mason disbanded the Emergency Response Committee on the grounds that it was ineffective.
Paris = Correspondent Jo Eun-ah [email protected]
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The recent flooding in Spain serves as a tragic reminder of the devastating impacts of climate change and the critical importance of timely emergency response. As the affected communities continue to grapple with the aftermath of this disaster, calls for accountability and improved disaster management strategies will undoubtedly intensify. The loss of life and property is not just a statistic, but a profound tragedy affecting countless individuals and families. In the face of such adversity, solidarity and swift action are paramount to rebuild and restore the affected areas and to prevent similar catastrophes in the future.