Thousands Rally in Valencia to Commemorate Flood Victims

Tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered in Valencia on Saturday to mark the first anniversary of devastating floods that resulted in the deaths of 229 individuals. Protesters expressed their outrage over the regional government’s handling of the disaster, specifically targeting regional leader Carlos Mazon for what they perceive as a slow and ineffective response.

Participants in the protest carried photographs of the victims and called for Mazon’s resignation. “People are still really angry,” said Rosa Cerros, a 42-year-old government worker attending the march with her husband and two young daughters. “Why weren’t people evacuated? It’s incomprehensible.”

Criticism of Mazon’s administration centers on the failure to issue timely alerts. Text messages warning residents were sent over 12 hours after the national weather agency had issued its highest alert level for torrential rains on October 29, 2024. By the time many residents received the alert, floodwaters were already overwhelming their homes and cars.

The floods impacted 78 municipalities, particularly in the southern suburbs of Valencia. The body of one victim was discovered as recently as Tuesday, underscoring the ongoing tragedy of the disaster. Despite the severity of the situation, Mazon was criticized for attending a lengthy lunch with a journalist on the day of the floods while his administration failed to mobilize an adequate response.

Gonzalo Bosch, a 38-year-old accountant from one of the hardest-hit towns, expressed his frustrations at the protest. “Mazon wasn’t where he should have been that day; he wasn’t up to the task,” he stated. The central government in Valencia reported that more than 50,000 people participated in the protest, although the organizing groups did not provide their own estimates.

Demonstrators marched through the city holding placards demanding Mazon’s resignation or even imprisonment. Under Spain’s decentralized governance, disaster management falls to regional authorities. Mazon, a member of the conservative Popular Party (PP), contends that his administration lacked the necessary information to issue warnings sooner.

Recent polling conducted by El País revealed that 71 percent of Valencia residents believe Mazon should resign. Many of the deceased were elderly, with nearly half over the age of 70. Protesters emphasized this demographic as particularly vulnerable, accusing authorities of failing to protect them adequately.

The emotional toll of the floods was highlighted by Rosa Alvarez, who leads an association for flood victims. She blamed the regional government for her 80-year-old father’s death, stating he was already drowning when the mobile alert was issued. “Every minute counted that day,” she remarked. “When the alarm sounded, people had already drowned or were in real danger. All those deaths were completely preventable.”

Regular demonstrations against Mazon have been a feature since the floods, often coinciding with the monthly anniversaries of the disaster. Despite growing unpopularity, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, the national leader of the PP, continues to support Mazon. Political analyst Anton Losada from the University of Santiago de Compostela noted that Feijóo may have limited options. A resignation from Mazon could lead to early elections in Valencia, which would likely have severe consequences for both the PP and Feijóo’s leadership.

As the community continues to mourn and demand accountability, the hope remains that a successful reconstruction effort can help restore faith in the regional government.