More than 50,000 people marched through the streets of Valencia on Saturday, marking one year since the devastating floods that killed 229 people and condemning what they see as government negligence in handling one of Europe’s worst natural disasters in decades.
Many protesters carried photos of victims and banners calling for the resignation of Carlos Mazón, the regional president of Valencia. “People are still really angry,” said Rosa Cerros, a 42-year-old public servant attending the rally with her family. “Why weren’t people evacuated? It’s incomprehensible.”
Valencia Floods Anniversary: Mazón’s administration has faced heavy criticism for failing to send flood alerts to mobile phones until 8:11 p.m. on October 29, 2024 hours after the national weather agency had already issued its highest-level warning for torrential rain. By the time the alerts were sent, many residents said floodwaters had already surrounded their homes and vehicles.
The disaster affected 78 municipalities, mostly in southern Valencia, leaving widespread devastation. One body was still being recovered as recently as this week.
Valencia Floods Anniversary
Adding to public outrage, Mazón reportedly continued with a long lunch meeting and attended a photo opportunity for a tourism award on the day of the floods. “He wasn’t where he should have been,” said Gonzalo Bosch, an accountant from one of the worst-hit towns. “He wasn’t up to the task.”
Under Spain’s decentralized system, regional governments are responsible for disaster management. However, Mazón, a member of the conservative Popular Party (PP), has defended his actions, claiming his administration lacked sufficient information to issue earlier warnings.
Valencia Floods Anniversary, Public opinion appears to have turned against him: a recent El País poll found that 71% of Valencians believe Mazón should step down. (Source)
Nearly half of the victims were aged 70 or older, sparking anger among those who say authorities failed to protect the region’s most vulnerable. Rosa Alvarez, who leads an association of flood victims, blames Mazón’s inaction for her father’s death. “When the alarm sounded, people had already drowned,” she said. “Every minute counted that day all those deaths were preventable.”
Activists have staged monthly demonstrations demanding accountability. Still, PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo continues to back Mazón, with analysts suggesting that forcing him out could trigger early elections a move that could devastate the party politically.
Valencia Floods Anniversary, 50,000 Protest in Valencia on First Anniversary of Deadly Floods. A state memorial ceremony for the victims will be held on Wednesday, attended by King Felipe VI and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
