Spanish King Faces Protests During Visit to Flooded Valencia Area
King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain encountered an unexpected response from locals during their visit to Paiporta, a flood-ravaged area in Valencia. While surveying the damage and speaking with residents, protests erupted, with some locals throwing mud and chanting slogans urging the royal couple to “go back.”
In a video shared by an international news agency, King Felipe can be seen speaking to residents, who expressed frustration, alleging that authorities had prior knowledge of the impending disaster but took no preventative action.
Devastating Floods Cause Record Casualties and Damage
The recent floods, described as some of the worst in Spain’s history, have left 214 people dead and 2,000 still missing. Heavy rainfall has trapped many residents in their homes, leaving them in desperate need of assistance.
In response to the crisis, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has deployed 10,000 soldiers and police to assist in rescue efforts across the flood-affected Valencia region, where many people are still awaiting aid.