Madrid, Nov 3 (EFE).- The King of Spain, Felipe VI, assured today that we must understand “the anger and frustration” expressed by many people during the visit that the monarch made this Sunday to the flooded areas in the region. of Valencia, on the Mediterranean coast, because of “how bad things have been” for its inhabitants and because of the difficulty of understanding how the mechanisms to deal with emergencies work.
Felipe VI expressed himself in this way after the incidents recorded during his visit to the area affected by the storm, in which he was accompanied by the president of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchez, and that of the Valencian Generalitat, Carlos Mazón.
The king made these statements at the Emergency Center of the Generalitat Valenciana, in L’Eliana (Valencia), where he spoke a few words of gratitude to his workers, as reported on the social network X the Casa del Rey, after being transferred along with Pedro Sánchez and Carlos Mazón to their facilities after the incidents.
Accompanied by Queen Letizia, the king addressed the members of the emergency center, the nerve center where all the institutions, organizations and forces are present – he said – that intervene in this “monumental disaster that has affected so many lives.” and so many ways of life.
Five days after the storm, the Spanish authorities have counted at least 217 deaths while the search for missing people continues, with little hope of finding them alive.
“We must give these people (those affected) hope, address the emergency, but also guarantee that the State in all its fullness is present,” stressed the monarch, who has also expressed his conviction that the situation “is changing every day.” to get better.”
«It is not speculative. I think that the means are growing and the effectiveness is also growing,” he assured.
Don Felipe has conveyed the importance of what these troops are doing “every hour, every minute since the emergency occurred”, and also how important it is – he has stressed – “that people perceive that the mechanisms of the State in the different levels are working.
He also thanked the “enormous contribution of people of all kinds”, although he recognized that “organizing it, managing it is not easy.”
«Thank you for the effort. I know that they are exhausting days, that there are no hours, there are no minutes and there is a lot of need to attend to. Cheer up, go ahead,” concluded the king.
The visit of the king and the authorities to the city of Paiporta, one of the most affected by the floods, was marked by the tension and indignation of dozens of people, who greeted the procession with shouts of ‘get out’ and the throwing of mud.
During the visit, the volunteers confronted the king and the rest of the politicians, and Don Felipe and Doña Letizia, each on their own, stopped to talk to some of the young people who approached them very upset, with the purpose of reassuring them.
After the incidents in Paiporta, the visit of the delegation to the town of Chiva was suspended by joint agreement of the state, regional and Royal Household authorities. EFE
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**Interview with Dr. Laura Martínez, Political Analyst and Expert in Disaster Response**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Martínez. We’ve seen some intense reactions during King Felipe VI’s visit to the flood-affected areas in Valencia, where some survivors expressed their frustration by hurling mud at him. What does this response indicate about the current sentiment among the affected population?
**Dr. Martínez:** Thank you for having me. The response from the locals really highlights a deep sense of anger and helplessness. When people are faced with such devastating losses—in this case, over 200 lives lost—they often look for someone to blame. The king, as a public figure and a representative of the government, becomes a target for that pent-up frustration, especially when the processes for emergency response seem slow or inadequate.
**Interviewer:** King Felipe VI acknowledged the people’s anger and frustration and mentioned the importance of understanding these sentiments. How crucial is it for leadership to connect with citizens, particularly in the aftermath of a disaster?
**Dr. Martínez:** It’s incredibly important. Effective leadership in times of crisis requires empathy and communication. Acknowledging the feelings of those affected helps to restore trust. When leaders show they understand the struggle and pain of their constituents, it can facilitate healing and, ultimately, a more effective recovery process. Felipe VI’s recognition of the people’s emotional state is a step toward restoring some sense of connection and hope.
**Interviewer:** The king also spoke about the efforts of emergency responders. How vital is the role of emergency services during such disasters, and what challenges do they face?
**Dr. Martínez:** Emergency responders are the backbone in the aftermath of disasters. Their rapid response can save lives and provide immediate support to those affected. However, they face tremendous challenges, including resource limitations, logistical difficulties, and sometimes, the emotional toll of dealing with trauma. In this case, with such a monumental disaster, ensuring coordination between agencies and efficiently addressing the needs of victims is essential for a successful response.
**Interviewer:** As the situation develops, what can the government do to address the concerns of the affected population and prevent future disasters of this nature?
**Dr. Martínez:** Moving forward, it’s essential for the government to involve local communities in disaster planning and recovery efforts. Transparent communication about what steps will be taken to support those affected can alleviate some frustration. Additionally, investing in infrastructure improvements, emergency preparedness, and climate resilience is crucial for mitigating future risks. Building trust with the community through these proactive measures is key to maintaining public support and cooperation.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Martínez. It’s clear that addressing these complex emotions and logistical challenges is a balancing act for the Spanish leadership in these trying times.
**Dr. Martínez:** Absolutely. Thank you for having me.
