Spain on Wednesday marked the first anniversary of devastating floods that killed more than 230 people, with a memorial service led by King Felipe VI.
The downpour quickly filled normally dry valleys and riverbeds. Heavy water overflowed the embankment, washing away cars and destroying homes.
According to the central government, 237 people were confirmed dead, with 229 victims from the eastern region of Valencia.
The King spoke alongside the families of those who lost their lives on the night of October 29, 2024, when heavy rains flooded large parts of eastern Spain.
“In the face of so much pain, may our words be a hug for those who have lost so much, for those who have helped and continue to do so, for those who are trying to overcome and for those who still seek strength in their memories,” the king said.
It was one of Europe’s worst natural disasters in living memory. Experts and governments said this was a sign of the dangers of climate change, which is causing extreme weather events around the world.
The ceremony took place at the public museum in the city of Valencia, where southern neighborhoods and neighboring towns were destroyed.
At the beginning of the ceremony, before reading out the names of all the victims, journalist Lara Siscar revealed the reason for the incident.
“We are here to remember,” she said.
The initial cleanup effort, led by thousands of residents and volunteers, took weeks to scoop up layers of mud and debris.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, representatives from other regions of Spain and family members were also in attendance.
Carlos Mazon, regional president of Valencia, was jeered and insulted by family members of several of the victims before the ceremony began, with some demonstrators shouting “coward” and “murderer”.
Mazon has been heavily criticized for his government’s slow response to the floods.
There have been several large street protests calling for his resignation, with the latest one drawing tens of thousands of demonstrators days before his funeral.
Mazon continues to cling to power even though his response to the floods remains a drag on the prospects of his centre-right People’s Party.
Mr. Mazon, King Felipe and Mr. Sánchez were pelted with mud last year when they made their first joint visit to the disaster-stricken area, where many people were still missing and nearby areas were without power.
Since then, the King has visited the area several times and received positive reviews.
Additional sources of information • AP