In pictures: The flood disaster in Valencia sparks new mass demonstrations

Thousands of people gathered in Valencia, during a new demonstration to denounce the Spanish authorities’ management of the floods that struck the southeast of the country two months ago.
The demonstrators raised banners reading, “Mazzone, resign,” in reference to the conservative head of the Valencia region, Carlos Mazzone, a member of the Popular Party.

Flood disaster in Valencia

The demonstrators began their movement shortly after 18:00 (17:00 GMT) in the streets of central Valencia, and the intensity of anger did not subside two months after the tragic floods that occurred on October 29 and left 231 dead, according to the latest toll issued by the authorities, including 223 in the Valencia region. Alone.
Four people are still missing, and many local organizations and unions called for the demonstration to demand the resignation of Mazzone, whom the demonstrators described in chants as a “murderer” and a “criminal.”

The crowd advanced with dozens of tractors that helped the victims remove the mud and cars that had been washed away in the streets.

The third demonstration in Valencia

This is the third demonstration in Valencia after two demonstrations on November 9 and 30, the first included 130,000 people and the second 100,000, according to government figures.
Victims of the disaster accuse the regional government of not warning residents well in advance of the threat of torrential rain despite the National Meteorological Agency issuing a dawn warning.

Criticism of the authorities

The demonstrators also criticize the authorities for their delay in providing assistance.
In Spain, a decentralized country, disaster management is the responsibility of the regions, but the central government can provide resources and even take charge of emergencies in extreme circumstances.

On Monday, the Supreme Court of Justice in Valencia rejected complaints filed against Mazzone over his handling of the disaster, declaring her ineligible, and saying that the complainants could request the opening of a preliminary investigation before an investigating judge.
The floods caused serious damage in about 80 towns, and many residents are still struggling to return to their normal rhythm of life. In the city of Bayporta, the epicenter of the flood disaster, only 20 percent of the shops have reopened, according to the Valencia Regional Chamber of Commerce.