Massive Protest Erupts on Anniversary of Deadly Valencia Floods
Tens of thousands of people crowded the streets of Valencia to remember the biggest flood tragedy in Spain in decades that happened a year ago. Protesters held up signs and pictures of victims, calling on regional officials to take responsibility.
The floods of October 29, 2024, killed 229 people in 78 communities. This was Spain’s biggest natural calamity in centuries. People are still angry about how slowly the government is acting.
Source: Al Jazeera
Citizens Demand Accountability from Regional Officials
Protesters wanted Carlos Mazon, the president of the area, to step down because they thought he was careless during the floods. Many people say he didn’t respond quickly enough even though the national meteorological organization warned him many times.
Gonzalo Bosch, a protester from a village that was hammered heavily, stated, “Mazon wasn’t where he should have been that day.” “People died because they weren’t told in time.”
Delayed Alerts and Public Fury Over Government Response
People were angry with the government for sending out emergency advisories hours after the heavy rain started, which left people stuck. Survivors claimed the notifications came too late since water had already flooded houses and streets.
“Why didn’t people leave?” Rosa Cerros, who went to the march with her family, said, “It’s incomprehensible.” A year later, her sentiments still reflected the anger of many victims who were still looking for justice.
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Victims’ Families Say Deaths Could Have Been Prevented
Rosa Alvarez, who leads a group for flood victims, said that the regional government was to blame for her father’s death. She added that by the time he got the late notice on his phone, he was already drowning.
“Every minute mattered that day,” she claimed. “When the alarm went off, people had already drowned or were in danger.” There was a way to stop all of those fatalities.
Political Fallout Deepens as Pressure Mounts on Mazon
Government estimates say that more than 50,000 people took part in the demonstration on Saturday. Mazon’s handling of the floods has put his government in turmoil and led to demands for him to step down.
A recent poll by El País indicated that 71% of people in Valencia think Mazon should resign. Critics say that his lack of action lost lives, especially among older people.
Opposition Leader Defends Embattled Regional President
Alberto Núñez Feijóo, the head of the Popular Party, has stood with Mazon even if people are getting angrier. Analysts think that getting rid of him now might make the party less stable and lead to early elections in Valencia.
Anton Losada, a political scientist, told AFP that Mazon’s departure “would likely be catastrophic for both the Popular Party and Feijóo’s leadership.” The party expects that rebuilding will help people trust them again.
Ongoing Calls for Justice and Institutional Reform
Campaigners are putting up monthly protests to call for accountability and changes to the system. Many people want improved safety measures, quicker emergency notifications, and stronger protection for people who are more likely to be harmed.
Protesters said they would keep up the pressure until leaders accept full responsibility. For them, the tragedy is not just about how powerful nature is, but also about how politics failed and lives that could have been spared.
