Tensions erupted in the flood-hit town of Paiporta, Valencia when Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia visited the devastated region on Sunday. The royal couple, joined by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and regional President Carlos Mazon, arrived to offer support, but the scene quickly turned hostile as angry locals expressed their frustration.
The people of Paiporta, still grappling with the recent disaster, vented their anger over what they saw as government inaction and poor communication before and after the deadly floods. Over 200 people lost their lives last week as torrential rains unleashed devastation across Spain’s western Valencia region.
As the royals and officials approached the crowd, locals hurled mud, eggs, and even stones, showing their fury at what they believed was a preventable tragedy. Security guards scrambled to shield the royals with umbrellas, but videos from the scene showed mud and debris hitting them. Crowds booed and shouted phrases like “murderers” and “shame,” their voices filled with anger and pain. Some yelled, “All we wanted was a warning—we could have been saved!” The frustration was undeniable, with people accusing authorities of failing to act on information about the incoming storm. One man told the king, “It was known, and nobody did anything to avoid it.”
Despite the chaotic reception, King Felipe and Queen Letizia were determined to reach out. The queen, with mud on her face and hands, embraced a local woman, visibly moved by the community’s grief. The royals insisted on breaking through the police cordon to meet the people up close, even as the crowd’s emotions continued to surge. They spent about 30 minutes listening, consoling, and engaging with the angry survivors, showing a rare moment of closeness amid the tension. However, after nearly half an hour, the police led the royals away for safety. A planned visit to another affected town, Chiva, was also postponed.
Later, King Felipe released a video message, acknowledging the pain of the residents. He said he understood their anger and frustration and urged the people to hold onto hope, promising that the entire state was behind them in this difficult time.
For the flood survivors, however, this visit seemed to spark more questions than answers. Many left wondering if the tragedy could have been avoided and what steps would now be taken to prevent future disasters. The incident has sparked a national conversation about Spain’s disaster preparedness, raising a crucial question: could these lives have been saved if people had been warned in time?
