Spain holds memorial for flood victims a year after disaster killed over 230 people

Spain held a memorial service on Wednesday led by King Felipe VI on the first anniversary of massive floods that killed over 230 people.

The downpour quickly filled normally dry gorges and riverbeds. Rushing waters overflowed their banks, sweeping away cars and destroying homes.

There are 237 confirmed deaths, with 229 victims from the eastern Valencia region, according to the central government.

The king spoke along with family members of some of the victims who lost their lives when torrential rains flooded large parts of eastern Spain on the evening of 29 October 2024.

"In the face of so much pain, may our words come as an embrace. For those who lost so much, for those who helped and continue to do so, for those who are trying to overcome, for those who still seek their strength in their memories," the monarch said.

It was one of Europe's worst natural disasters in living memory. Experts and the government said it was a sign of the dangers of climate change that is driving extreme weather events around the world.

The ceremony was held at a public museum in Valencia city, whose southern neighbourhoods and adjoining towns were devastated.

At the beginning of the ceremony, before reading out the names of all the victims, the journalist Lara Siscar made the reason for the event clear.

"We are here to remember," she said.

Cleanup efforts initially led by thousands of residents and volunteers took weeks to scoop up the layers of mud and debris.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, representatives from Spain's other regions and families of the deceased also attended.

Valencia’s regional president, Carlos Mazón, was jeered and insulted by several family members of victims before the ceremony started, with some protesters shouting "Coward" and "Murderer."

Mazón has been heavily criticised for his administration's slow response to the flooding.

There have been several large street protests calling for him to step down and the latest one drew tens of thousands of demonstrators a few days before the funeral.

Mazón has clung to power nonetheless even though his management of the flooding remains a drag on the prospects of his centre-right Popular Party.

Mazón, King Felipe and Sánchez were pelted with mud when the three made their first joint visit to the disaster zone last year with many people still missing and neighbourhoods without power.

The king has since made several visits to the area and been well received.