Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Valencia again to protest against the management that the Spanish authorities have carried out due to the floods that occurred in October due to the passage of the DANA and wich left 230 dead.
With shouts of “they are not deaths, they are murders” and a huge banner that read “Mazón, resign”, referring to the Valencian regional president, Carlos Mazón, an approximate of 100 thousand people crowded the downtown area of the city, reported the Government Delegation in Valencia.
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This woudl be the second massive march that took place due to the discontent of Valencians in which “Your negligence is our misfortune” or “only the people save the people” were some of the slogans that were read.
The previous demonstration had the participation of 130 thousand people.
Affected by the floods that claimed the lives of more than 200 valencians, they expressed their anger at what they classified as incompetence on the part of the authorities.
“What went wrong? Incompetence. That is why we are here, because there are many incompetent people who are being paid their salaries,” said a 55-year-old teacher based in Paiporta named Raquel Ferrandis, who was holding a banner in honor of the deceased mother of one of her friends.
Maribel Peralta, another teacher from Valencia, said she felt “outraged” by what happened while holding a banner against the regional president, who was mainly accused of the lack of action to alert the inhabitants of the tragedy and the poor management after the floods.
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“People who have lost everything, let’s see how they live.The people who have lost their business, let’s see how they live.The aid does not arrive,” he added.
The complaints during the demonstrations, which were highlighted peacefully, have not only been for the local government, the Spanish president, Pedro Sánchez, has also been harshly criticized for the lack of forcefulness in addressing the contingency.
What happened in Valencia?
On October 29, a meteorological phenomenon called DANA caused a violent torrent of water that overflowed in several towns in Valencia, destroying homes, businesses and cars in its wake, and leaving a trail of death.
The damage continues even a month after the tragedy, the magnitude of which, according to the protesters, could have been much smaller if they had been alerted in time.
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What are the key lessons learned from the recent floods in Valencia regarding disaster management?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Flood Management Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we bring you the latest insights from around the world. Today, we have with us Dr. Maria Torres, a renowned expert in flood management and disaster response. Dr. Torres, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Maria Torres: Thank you for having me. it’s an important topic, especially considering the recent events in Valencia.
Editor: Indeed. Tens of thousands gathered in Valencia to protest the government’s handling of the catastrophic floods from october that claimed 230 lives. What are your thoughts on the public outcry we’re witnessing?
dr. Torres: The protests highlight a critical aspect of disaster management: accountability. When communities suffer such devastating losses,they naturally demand answers and action.The slogan “they are not deaths, they are murders” reflects the anger and frustration of families who feel let down by authorities.
editor: That sentiment was palpable at the protests, notably aimed at Valencian regional president Carlos Mazón, with calls for his resignation. how important is leadership accountability in disaster scenarios?
Dr. Torres: Leadership accountability is vital. In any disaster, the community looks to its leaders for guidance and support. If they perceive that those in power have neglected their responsibilities or failed to act swiftly and adequately, it can lead to distrust and civil unrest, as we are seeing in Valencia.
Editor: From your outlook, what could the authorities have done differently to prevent the scale of devastation?
Dr. Torres: Prevention is key in flood management. The authorities should have invested in better early warning systems and infrastructure improvements tailored to the region’s vulnerabilities. Moreover, comprehensive risk assessments can inform better urban planning. After past floods, consistent improvements should be part of a cycle, not just reactive measures post-disaster.
Editor: The protests have drawn notable media attention, but what role does public engagement play in shaping disaster response policies?
Dr. Torres: Public engagement is crucial. It fosters a sense of community ownership over disaster planning and recovery processes. When residents feel like their voices are heard, they are more likely to support policies and initiatives. This is also a chance for governments to learn directly from those affected by disasters, leading to more effective solutions.
Editor: With the impacts of climate change becoming more pronounced, how can regions like Valencia better prepare for future disasters?
Dr. Torres: Adaptation needs to be a priority. This includes investing in resilient infrastructure, implementing lasting land use practices, and educating the public about risk management. collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and communities will be essential in creating comprehensive plans that address both immediate needs and long-term resilience.
Editor: as the protests continue, what message do you hope the authorities take away from these events?
Dr. Torres: It’s essential for authorities to understand the gravity of the situation and prioritize residents’ safety and well-being. This is a moment for reflection and action, not just in valencia but in other regions facing similar challenges. The community’s voice should lead to genuine reform in how disaster management is approached going forward.
Editor: thank you, Dr. Torres, for your valuable insights. It’s clear that events like those in Valencia are not just about the immediate aftermath but about the long-term changes needed to prevent future loss of life.
Dr. Torres: Thank you for having me.These discussions are crucial as we strive for a more resilient future.
Editor: And thank you to our viewers. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and the wider implications it has for disaster management in vulnerable regions.