As Spain grapples with the aftermath of unprecedented floods that have left 217 dead, frustrations are mounting over the lack of warning and government response, with protests erupting during the monarchs’ visit to affected areas.
The catastrophic flash floods in eastern Spain, which saw a year’s worth of rainfall in a matter of days, have left entire communities reeling. In Valencia and surrounding regions, 217 lives have been lost, with victims tragically caught in vehicles, underground garages, and tunnels.
In the town of Aldaia, a sprawling car park near the Bonaire shopping center is now a focal point of the search for more missing persons. While search teams have begun inspecting the thousands of vehicles trapped underwater, no bodies have yet been recovered from the site.
Authorities issued a red alert for torrential rain in Catalonia, where cities like Barcelona faced flooding on Monday, exacerbating travel disruptions as train services were suspended and roads submerged. Spanish news agency Europa Press reports that police teams inspecting the first 50 vehicles in Aldaia’s flooded parking garage have not found any victims, though they fear more grim discoveries as the search continues.
Rescue operations have been particularly challenging, with many victims trapped in vehicles and underground spaces. Tragically, among the deceased are a British couple in their 70s, found days later in their vehicle.
The tragedy has ignited public outrage, with locals criticizing what they say was a lack of adequate warning and support from authorities. This anger came to a head on Sunday in Paiporta, one of the worst-hit towns, where King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez were met with protests and mud-slinging. While visiting affected areas, the monarchs were pelted with mud, and Prime Minister Sánchez was swiftly evacuated after objects were thrown at him.
Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, speaking to TVE, condemned the outbursts, attributing the violence to “marginal groups.” Meanwhile, the Civil Guard has opened an investigation into the incidents. Despite the tension, Grande-Marlaska emphasized the government’s ongoing commitment to relief efforts, but local leaders in Valencia extended travel restrictions for two more days, canceled classes, and encouraged remote work to support emergency teams in recovery.
In Catalonia, emergency measures remain in place, as communities continue to grapple with the destruction and brace for more potential rainfall. Online footage shows streets turned into rivers, with vehicles submerged or washed away, highlighting the urgency for rapid recovery efforts across the region.
