'Deaths were avoidable': Anger and grief as Spain marks a year after deadly floods

Hundreds of relatives of the victims of deadly floods in Spain’s Valencia region flocked to a state funeral presided over by King Felipe on Oct 31, a year after the tragedy killed 237 people.

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Some were in solemn silence while others seethed with anger, with many arriving at the futuristic venue known as the City of Arts and Sciences wearing black T-shirts reading, in Valencian: “Their deaths were avoidable”.

“We have many mixed emotions,” Ms Carmina, a relative of a victim of the floods told Reuters.

“We have been looking forward to this ceremony for a long time. It was a collective death and a collective funeral was necessary. The day has come and here we are to pay tribute to our people.”

A few of those attending chanted insults against regional leader Carlos Mazon, who is under investigation for his role in the tragedy and attended the ceremony despite some relatives asking that he stay away.

On Oct 25, tens of thousands of people demonstrated in Valencia, calling for his resignation.