During a visit to flood-ravaged Valencia on Sunday, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain were met by an angry crowd of flood survivors who hurled mud and stones at them, expressing frustration over what they perceive as an insufficient government response to Spain's deadliest natural disaster in recent history. The flash floods, which hit last week, have claimed at least 205 lives, leaving widespread destruction and shortages in basic resources.
As the royal couple arrived in the town of Paiporta, cries of "Killers!" and "Get out!" echoed from the crowd. Bodyguards had to shield the king and queen with umbrellas as rocks, mud, and debris were thrown their way. Several police officers, including mounted units, intervened to control the crowd, some of whom wielded shovels and poles in protest. Two bodyguards sustained injuries, with one seen bleeding from a forehead wound, according to Spain's national broadcaster.
Despite the tension, King Felipe attempted to engage with locals, who were visibly upset, some still without access to clean water or reliable communication services days after the disaster. Queen Letizia, with mud on her arms and hands, was seen comforting a woman who broke down in tears, eventually becoming emotional herself.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who accompanied the monarchs, had to be escorted from the area for safety. The visit to a second affected village, Chiva, was canceled due to security concerns.
The response to the floods, which left many areas without electricity, clean water, and reliable communication networks, has drawn sharp criticism across the country. The anger displayed in Paiporta reflects growing frustration with the government’s handling of the crisis, as resources remain stretched thin and thousands struggle to rebuild their lives in the disaster's aftermath.
VIDEO:
No comments:
Post a Comment