In a rare public backlash, Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia were met with open hostility on Sunday during a visit to flood-ravaged Valencia, where over 200 people have died in what’s being described as Spain’s deadliest flood in decades. As the royal couple walked through the devastated town of Paiporta—one of the hardest-hit areas—survivors hurled mud, drink cans, and insults at the monarchs, venting their anger over the government’s response to the catastrophe. Queen Letizia, visibly affected, had mud on her face, while a bodyguard was reportedly injured by a thrown object.
Paiporta residents, many of whom have lost everything, accused the authorities of failing to respond swiftly and effectively to the unfolding crisis. Regional officials had issued a flood alert hours too late, leaving communities with little time to prepare for the devastating waves. As Felipe and Letizia attempted to speak with residents, tensions grew. Volunteers claimed that the royal security detail’s closure of one of the few clear roads disrupted ongoing cleanup efforts, further intensifying frustrations.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who also visited the region, described the event as “the worst natural disaster in the recent history of our country.” His government has deployed additional troops, police, and emergency personnel in a bid to restore order and distribute aid to towns still cut off from essential resources, such as food and clean water. Despite this, many locals have relied primarily on volunteer efforts to clear mud and debris. A volunteer in Sedavi, furious at the perceived inaction from officials, told local reporters, “Thank you to the people who have come to help us, to all of them, because from the authorities, nothing.”
This disaster, attributed partly to climate-driven extreme weather, has sparked national debate on Spain’s preparedness for such emergencies. With the official death toll climbing and thousands of people still missing, authorities face mounting pressure to overhaul response strategies for future crises. For now, as the floodwaters recede, anger and loss fill the air in Spain’s storm-ravaged towns.
Sources for this article include: El Mundo, RTVE, and AFP reports.
