A Devastating Toll
Recent floods that struck Spain’s Valencia region have resulted in a tragic loss of life, particularly among the elderly. Data from a police-established center indicates that over half of the 216 flood-related deaths involved individuals aged 70 and older, highlighting the vulnerability of this demographic during natural disasters.
Victims and Demographics
Out of the total fatalities, 104 victims were aged 70 or above, with 15 individuals exceeding 90 years old. The data revealed a greater impact on men, with 131 male victims compared to 85 women. Additionally, the calamity affected foreign nationals, resulting in 26 deaths, further underscoring the widespread devastation caused by the floods.
Paiporta: The Hardest-Hit Area
The town of Paiporta experienced the highest number of fatalities, recording 45 deaths. Residents expressed their frustrations by protesting against government officials, including Spanish royals, who visited the area after the disaster. Overall, the flood claimed 224 lives in total, with the majority occurring in Valencia and additional casualties reported in nearby regions like Castilla-La Mancha and Andalucía.
Protests Erupt Over Response Delays
The floods sparked outrage as tens of thousands of Valencians took to the streets, demanding accountability for the perceived inadequate emergency response. Protesters criticized the timing of the emergency alerts, which many argue were issued too late—an alert did not reach citizens until 8 PM, despite some areas being submerged by 6 PM.
Official Reactions and Accountability
Valencia’s regional leader, Carlos Mazón, faces intense scrutiny regarding the delayed alert and response. He defended his actions by claiming that the magnitude of the disaster was unforeseeable and that he had not received timely warnings from central authorities, even though a red weather alert had been issued early on the day of the flooding. Mazón is scheduled to present his explanation to local Parliament members, seeking to clarify the response to this catastrophic event. Meanwhile, Valencia managed to avoid further disaster as the weather agency successfully alerted residents of bad weather, leading to evacuations in other areas like Málaga.
SOURCE: Ref Image from The Guardian
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