Valencia, November 10, 2024 – The Europe Today: Tens of thousands marched in Valencia on Saturday, expressing outrage over the government’s handling of catastrophic floods that have claimed over 220 lives, marking one of Europe’s deadliest flood disasters in decades. Regional authorities estimated around 130,000 participants, with additional protests held across other Spanish cities.
Demonstrators demanded the resignations of Valencian regional leader Carlos Mazon and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, accusing them of failing to act promptly. Protesters chanted “Murderers!” and alleged negligence, with some pointing fingers at leaders for issuing flood alerts only after the disaster had unfolded. The intensity of public anger follows previous incidents where Valencia residents heckled Mazon and hurled mud at him and King Felipe VI.
Regional officials disclosed that 212 deaths occurred in the Valencian area, with the remaining casualties in Castile-La Mancha and Andalusia. Rescue teams continue to search for nearly 80 missing individuals, although health authorities report no major disease outbreaks.
The floods, which began after a storm warning on October 25, left Valencia and surrounding areas devastated, leading to widespread criticism of the government’s delayed response. The disaster has sparked a major crisis, with calls for accountability growing amid Spain’s worst flood tragedy since 1967, when over 500 people perished in Portugal.
