Angry crowds of people have confronted Spanish King Felipe VI in Paiporta, Valencia, a town affected by the flash floods
The footage shows the king making his way down a street as the hostile crowd can be heard shouting “murderer” – some protesters threw objects and mud at him
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been evacuated from the area as the king and queen have suspended a planned trip to Chiva, another area hit by flooding. Police had cordoned off the streets of Chiva to try to protect the royal entourage after the king and queen were struck by mud while in Paiporta, on the outskirts of Valencia.
Authorities say at least 214 people have died in the flash floods; 211 people in the Valencian Community, two people in the the Castilla La Mancha region and one person in Andalusia
One local politician has condemned the trip, telling the BBC it was “a very bad decision”
BBC Europe correspondent Mark Lowen wrote of the “outpouring of solidarity” in Valencia – but also noted a sense of anger directed towards the authorities among residents of the area.
Oscar Martinez said that the floods which hit Valencia and parts of south eastern Spain earlier this week were an “avoidable tragedy”.
“All the regional government needed to do was to give us the flood warnings in advance,” he told the BBC.
Shop owner Emilia said she felt “abandoned” in the wake of the tragedy, adding that people are unable to even wash their clothes or have a shower.
Credit: bbc.com
