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Protests and riots have erupted in Spain as civilians are demanding accountability from authorities for their delayed response to floods that have crippled parts of the country.
Let’s bring you up to speed: Last month, devastating flooding in Spain resulted in the deaths of at least 158 people and displaced tens of thousands across multiple regions, with Valencia bearing the brunt of most destruction. Despite over 1,200 rescue workers supporting search and rescue efforts, impacted civilians have continued to voice frustration over delayed alerts, which many say came only after floodwaters had inundated their neighborhoods.
What’s going on now: Over the weekend, tens of thousands of protesters voiced their anger over the delayed emergency response that left over 220 dead, many carrying banners that read “murderers” and leaving muddy boots outside government buildings as symbols of their grief and frustration. In Valencia, clashes erupted between protesters and riot police outside city hall as authorities attempted to control the crowds with batons.
Incidents have occurred at Valencia City Hall, with clashes reported between protesters and police. Organizers had urged participants to keep the protest peaceful and to reject any violence.pic.twitter.com/wmONpmrSTQ
— Volcaholic 🌋 (@volcaholic1) November 9, 2024
In a statement, the Mayor of Valencia, Maria Catala said, “It is time to work together to help the villages and municipalities affected by this terrible tragedy, as we are already doing. With all due respect to everyone, I believe that confrontation and vandalism will never be the solution. The city of Valencia is also an affected municipality and a symbol of the solidarity of an entire people. That is the Valencia we want, and that we need.”
She added, “I insist, vandalism is not the solution. We are an affected municipality, and we are allocating a great deal of resources and means to help the hamlets and municipalities that continue to suffer the effects of this tragedy.”
Despite public outcry, the government has maintained its defense of the emergency response, with regional officials saying that federal agencies did not promptly notify them about the severity of the flooding.
