On Monday, Spain's Interior Ministry confirmed that the death toll from last week's deluge had reached 215 people. The flooding, which began abruptly and led to disastrous consequences, has ignited a fierce debate over government accountability. Critics have pointed fingers at officials for the lack of timely warnings, which some argue exacerbated the crisis. Rescuers are still tirelessly searching for missing victims amid ominous weather forecasts predicting significant rainfall in coastal provinces such as Catalonia and Valencia. Authorities in Catalonia issued alerts and were on alert for hazardous travel conditions due to anticipated downpours.
Reports indicate that the Barcelona region received approximately six inches of rain within hours, leading to the cancellation of several flights and flooding at the international airport. In Valencia, ongoing rain has complicated rescue efforts, with main roads remaining impassable and numerous residents lacking access to power and safe drinking water.
Tensions erupted during a royal visit to the town of Paiporta on Sunday, where mourners expressed their anger directly at King Felipe VI and other officials, blaming them for insufficient action before the floods. While Spain's meteorological agency issued warnings prior to the storm's escalation, regional authorities reportedly delayed their alerts until the floodwaters began to rise, causing frustration among citizens.
King Felipe addressed the nation's distress in a speech acknowledging the "anger and frustration" felt by many. As public outrage continues, political figures grapple with the fallout from this tragic event, underscoring the urgency for better preparedness in the face of natural disasters.
Reports indicate that the Barcelona region received approximately six inches of rain within hours, leading to the cancellation of several flights and flooding at the international airport. In Valencia, ongoing rain has complicated rescue efforts, with main roads remaining impassable and numerous residents lacking access to power and safe drinking water.
Tensions erupted during a royal visit to the town of Paiporta on Sunday, where mourners expressed their anger directly at King Felipe VI and other officials, blaming them for insufficient action before the floods. While Spain's meteorological agency issued warnings prior to the storm's escalation, regional authorities reportedly delayed their alerts until the floodwaters began to rise, causing frustration among citizens.
King Felipe addressed the nation's distress in a speech acknowledging the "anger and frustration" felt by many. As public outrage continues, political figures grapple with the fallout from this tragic event, underscoring the urgency for better preparedness in the face of natural disasters.
