Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez was evacuated from a flood-stricken area in Spain on Sunday after irate locals threw mud at visiting politicians and the Spanish king. The public’s anger was directed towards perceived governmental failures that left them vulnerable to the catastrophic flooding.
Tensions rose when Sánchez, King Felipe, and the leader of the Valencia region visited Paiporta, a town severely affected by the flooding, with nearly a third of the 214 confirmed fatalities originating from there. As they arrived, some residents shouted accusations of murder.
Locals expressed frustration on the slurry-filled streets, criticizing the authorities for their delayed flood warnings and inadequate relief efforts, which they felt forced them to fend for themselves.
The official visit occurred amid an ongoing search for victims in Paiporta, five days after the flood onset, marking the deadliest natural disaster in Spain in recent decades. Scientists have associated the event with climate change.
Rescuers continued efforts to extract water from subterranean car parks, feared to have trapped individuals seeking to relocate their vehicles.
The office of the Socialist prime minister justified Sánchez’s evacuation, citing insults and attacks. Carlos Mázon, Valencia’s regional government head, with disaster prevention and relief responsibilities, also departed. King Felipe remained over an hour, enduring the barrage while comforting victims. His bodyguards shielded him with umbrellas as Queen Letizia was visibly moved to tears.
Silvia Martínez, owner of Bar Arosa in the town, lamented the ongoing cleanup efforts, expressing skepticism about government claims of aid delivery. She insisted that volunteers were the primary source of food and supplies, contradicting official statements.
Scenes of residents collecting basic provisions from a donor-established streetside table were a stark contrast to the town’s usual middle-income status. Many continued to live without essential utilities like power, water, and gas.
Carlos Mázon, facing criticism for not declaring a “catastrophic emergency,” admitted errors in crisis management but refrained from relinquishing control to the central government. He announced the creation of crisis management committees to address the situation.
Prime Minister Sánchez, urging unity beyond political divides, acknowledged the need for future discussions on improving disaster management policies. However, he opposed the central government taking over the regional response.
Criticism also targeted the state weather agency Aemet for its limited communication of a red alert concerning intense rains. Residents like Mati Garces only received emergency notifications after floodwaters had become life-threatening, highlighting communication failures.
In Paiporta, the floods exacerbated by the Todrented river were unexpected, given that heavy rains occurred elsewhere. Confusion persisted about the precautionary closure of public spaces but not schools, leading to safety concerns.
The military’s emergency response unit actively assisted in clearing debris and offering aid, yet resident demands for more equipment persisted. Volunteers played a significant role in cleanup efforts.
Financial repercussions are a growing concern. Residents like Carmen Marin reported significant losses, unsure about compensation prospects. The focus remains on immediate recovery rather than insurance outcomes as the community copes with the tragedy.
The possibility of discovering additional casualties looms as residents like Juan Enrique Marin criticize the lack of preparation and timely warnings during the disaster.