Tens of thousands of protesters marched across Spain on Saturday, condemning the authorities' response to catastrophic floods that killed at least 220 people, mostly in the Valencia region, and left towns buried in mud.
Demonstrators gathered in Valencia and other cities, voicing their outrage at what they called inadequate warnings and a delayed response to the flash floods that impacted around 80 towns and cities.
In Valencia, where protesters marched to city hall, chants of “Murderers!” echoed through the streets as citizens held placards criticizing Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Valencia’s Regional President Carlos Mazon. Tensions ran high, with scuffles reported between police and demonstrators.
Citizens expressed frustration over the lack of timely alerts, some noting that warnings arrived on their phones only after the floods had already begun. Julian Garcia, a 75-year-old protester, argued that earlier alerts could have saved lives by encouraging residents to avoid traveling to work or sending children to school.
The clean-up in Valencia continues, as authorities search for missing persons. Many protesters demanded accountability, with some accusing leaders of mismanagement amounting to manslaughter. Ana de la Rosa, a demonstrator, condemned the political infighting between regional and national leaders, calling for more than resignations and demanding systemic accountability.
As the region battles post-flood challenges, health officials have also called on local governments to implement measures to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.
