Spain's King Felipe VI emphasized the need for empathy and support for those impacted by the devastating floods in the Valencia region, as frustration among residents has escalated.
Cut Their Visit Short
In a video message posted on social media Sunday evening, King Felipe acknowledged the “anger and frustration” of affected communities, calling for both “hope and assurances that the state, in all its fullness, is present.”
This message came shortly after he and Queen Letizia were met with hostility during their visit to Paiporta, a suburb of Valencia that was especially hard-hit, according to Digi24.
Amid chants of "Criminals, criminals!" from an angry crowd, the royal couple had to cut their visit short.
Residents expressed frustration over the government’s perceived delay in issuing storm warnings and the emergency response that followed.
Broke Rear Window
The deadly floods, now considered one of the worst natural disasters in Spain’s modern history, have claimed 217 lives, with most fatalities occurring in the Valencia region, and over 60 reported in Paiporta alone.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who was also met with resistance during his visit to Valencia, condemned any form of violence but stated that he understood the “fear and suffering” of flood victims.
During his visit, some in the crowd threw mud at the officials, reportedly breaking a rear window of the Prime Minister’s vehicle, which was shown on public television.
Sanchez emphasized his solidarity with the victims and stated that “saving lives and recovering those lost in this natural disaster” are top priorities, followed by efforts to rebuild affected areas.
