Tens of thousands protest on anniversary of deadly flood

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Spain's eastern city of Valencia on Saturday to mark the first anniversary of floods that killed 229 people, and to denounce the handling of the disaster.

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Demonstrators attend a protest march to mark the first anniversary of last year's deadly floods and demand accountability in Valencia on Saturday.AFP

(AFP)

Demonstrators, many carrying photos of the victims, called on regional leader Carlos Mazon to resign over what they say was the slow response to one of Europe's deadliest natural disasters in decades.

“People are still really angry,” said Rosa Cerros, a 42-year-old government worker who took part with her husband and two young daughters.

“Why weren’t people evacuated? Its incomprehensible”

Mr Mazon’s administration has been heavily criticised for not sending text alerts until flooding had already started in some places on Oct 29, 2024.

The messages were sent more than 12 hours after the national weather agency had issued its highest alert level for torrential rains.

Residents told Spanish media that by the time they received the alert, muddy water was already surrounding their cars, submerging streets and pouring into their homes.