Demonstrations and public anger in Valencia about government response to flooding
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At least 220 people died in the catastrophic flooding in Spain, with Valencia being the hardest-hit region. New information about the hours leading up to the disaster has emerged, fuelling widespread anger and public demonstrations.
On Saturday November 9th,over 130,000 people demonstrated in Valencia, protesting the authorities' handling of the crisis, according to El País.
Warning messages perceived as sent too late
The torrential rains began on October 29, when Spain’s meteorological institute issued the highest possible warning for rain. Despite this, many believe authorities failed to act swiftly to prepare or warn the public.
At 5 PM on the day of the disaster, authorities received updates about rising water levels in rivers around Valencia. By 7 PM, water levels in the Poyo River were so extreme that measuring equipment was destroyed.
However, a public warning wasn’t issued until 8 PM, by which time the floods were already devastating communities. One witness, interviewed by Reuters, described sitting in a tree and watching bodies float past.
Criticism of Valencia’s Leadership
A significant portion of the public anger is directed at Carlos Mazón, the regional leader of Valencia. Reuters reports that Mazón shared a social media post during the crisis, downplaying the storm’s severity—a post he later deleted.
Additionally, multiple sources, including El País, claim that Mazón was at a prolonged lunch on the day of the disaster. During this lunch, he reportedly offered a role as director of the regional TV station to journalist Maribel Vilaplana. This has been widely criticized as insensitive amidst the growing emergency.
Protests and Legal Consequences
On November 9, Valencia experienced massive protests against the government’s handling of the floods. Although the demonstrations were peaceful, their scale underscores the public’s dissatisfaction with the authorities’ response.
As rescue efforts continue, more than 80 people remain missing, and the confirmed death toll stands at 220. Legal actions are now anticipated, with many survivors and victims’ families demanding accountability for the delayed warnings and perceived lack of preparation (Reuters, El País).
Valencians mostly appreciated the fire services work during the floods
Read more on EFE: Rescue work continues in flood-hit Valencia, while Girona issues heavy rain warning
Reactions to the fire services during the catastrophic flooding in Valencia in November 2024 were mixed, however the critique was directoed at authorities, rather than the fire services themselves. While the fireservices' efforts were recognized, with significant operations involving boats, drones, and divers, there was frustration over delayed warnings.
Many appreciated the intense work of firefighters, especially in challenging conditions like stagnant waters filled with debris. Search and rescue missions were ongoing, focusing on locating missing persons in areas like the Albufera Nature Reserve, with complex protocols being followed due to hazardous conditions
Read more on EFE: Over 45,000 volunteers traveled to Valencia’s flood-hit areas following the disaster
However, criticisms emerged regarding the broader emergency response, particularly delays in communication about the flood's severity.
A warning message to residents advising them to seek shelter was only sent hours after initial indications of danger, contributing to public anger and large protests.
These criticisms were directed more broadly at authorities, but also to a degree including fire services and local leadership.
