Alejandra Drullard Rosario
At least 150 people died in eastern Spain after flash floods swept away cars, turned village streets into rivers and disrupted the country in the worst natural disaster to hit the European nation in recent history. Emergency workers are continuing to comb through underground car parks and tunnels in hopes of finding survivors and recovering bodies.
There has been widespread anger and frustration at the perceived lack of timely warning and inadequate support from authorities in the aftermath of the devastating floods.
When Spain’s royal family, the prime minister and the Valencian regional president attempted to visit Paiporta, a municipality in the province of Valencia, they were met by an angry crowd hurling mud stones and other debris. Over 60 people tragically lost their lives in Paiporta due to the floods, and the visit marked the officials’ first time in the devastated area.
The residents expressed their outrage at the perceived failure of authorities to respond effectively to the disaster, with many feeling that their grief and suffering had been ignored. This tense encounter underscored the deep sense of betrayal felt by the local population, who were demanding accountability and better disaster management in the future.
Sticky brown globs hit Felipe VI, the king of Spain on the face and all over his black jacket, while his wife Queen Letizia’s hands were streaked with the mud. The anger appeared directed not at the king specifically but at the entire state for its management of the worst natural disaster in Spain's living memory. The government is also saying there were far right agitators among the locals, implying they wanted to go after the socialist prime minister.
Montserrat Nebrera, professor of constitutional law at the international University of Catalonia, says the shocking sight of a muddied monarch could set a precedent for more angry protests, as “never has such anger been shown to the king.” Monarchists like Nebrera and even republicans agreed that Felipe, who holds a largely ceremonial position, cut the figure of a man of state.
The king insisted that his bodyguards, who tried to cover him with umbrellas, let him get close to talk with residents, some of whom screamed, "Get out!” and “Killers!” Felipe’s decision to approach the people, rather than retreating to safety, was a powerful act of defiance and empathy. Letizia has also been praised for her courage in staying with her husband and engaging with the distressed citizens, maintaining composure in the face of hostility.
Oriol Bartomeus, a political science professor at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, shared his thoughts with The Associated press: “If he had sought protection from his bodyguards and run away,now that would have been the darkest day of his reign. Instead, he showed why he is king, demonstrating composure and serenity, and by getting as close as he could to the people.” This response, in Bartomeus’ view, marked an important moment for the monarchy, reflecting both strength and humility in the face of significant public unrest.
Spain is still attempting to clean up and rebuild the areas devastated by the floods, with many regions facing significant challenges. Recovery efforts have been slow, as communities have had homes and other infrastructures destroyed.
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