Remembering Spain's Deadly Floods: Protesters Honor Victims and Demand Climate Action

Thousands of people marched through Valencia, Spain's third-largest city, on Saturday to mark one year since devastating floods killed 229 people and caused millions in damages. The protesters, many carrying signs reading "justice," are demanding accountability for what became Spain's deadliest natural disaster in decades.

The floods hit on October 29, 2024, when heavy rains swept through towns near Valencia. The disaster exposed serious gaps in Spain's emergency response system and raised questions about whether authorities acted quickly enough to warn residents.

Social organizations, civil groups, and labor unions organized Saturday's protest. The march started in Valencia's city center and headed toward the regional government headquarters, where demonstrators plan to voice their demands for answers.

The flooding destroyed homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure across the region. Many affected communities are still rebuilding, and families of victims continue pushing for investigations into the government's response. The disaster highlighted Spain's vulnerability to extreme weather events, which climate scientists say are becoming more frequent and severe.

Regional authorities faced heavy criticism for their handling of the emergency, particularly around the timing of flood warnings sent to residents. The aftermath sparked broader discussions about Spain's disaster preparedness and the need for better early warning systems.