Spanish flood victims throw mud at King during tense Valencia visit
Recent floods in Valencia region caused over 200 deaths making it Spainʼs deadliest natural disaster in decades. Local residents blame authorities for slow response and inadequate warnings
Angry residents of flood-hit Paiporta confronted King Felipe and Prime Minister Sanchez this sunday‚ throwing mud and shouting during their visit to the disaster zone (which left over 200 dead)
It was known and nobody did anything to avoid it
The King stayed to talk with locals despite the chaos while Sanchez left the scene; at one point comforting a crying man. Locals blame authorities for not warning them about last tuesdays devastating storm
- No early alerts about flood danger
- Slow emergency services response
- 3000 homes still without power
- Many people still missing
The central govt says regional leaders should have warned people‚ but Valencia officials claim they did their best with available info. Sanchez promised to look into any wrong-doing later
Spains biggest peace-time rescue operation is now under way with extra troops and police joining in. The floods - which destroyed buildings lower floors and swept away cars in mud streams - are europes worst since portugals disaster in 67
Scientists link such extreme weather to climate change: the warm mediterranean sea makes rain storms worse these days. The death count in Valencia region keeps rising with Paiporta losing more than 60 residents
