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, due to “how badly its inhabitants have had it” 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 believe 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 acknowledged that “organizing it, managing it is not easy.”
“Thank you for the effort. I know that these 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,” the king concluded.
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.
Madrid / EFE
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**Interview with Dr. Laura Martinez, Disaster Management Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Martinez. As we digest the recent events in Valencia where King Felipe VI faced anger from flooded citizens, what do you think are the key factors driving this public outrage?
**Dr. Martinez:** Thank you for having me. The public’s anger often stems from two main issues in disaster situations: the immediate impact on their lives and the perceived ineffectiveness of government responses. In this case, the people of Valencia have been deeply affected by the storm and its aftermath, with many dealing with loss and destruction of property. When they see authorities, including their king, visiting the area, they may feel a mix of hope and frustration, especially if they feel that help is slow or inadequate.
**Interviewer:** The King mentioned understanding their “anger and frustration.” How crucial is empathy from leaders during such disasters?
**Dr. Martinez:** Empathy is incredibly important. When leaders can acknowledge the pain and suffering of those affected, it fosters a sense of solidarity and hope. It reassures the public that their struggles are being recognized on a larger scale. Acknowledging emotions can also defuse tension and promote cooperation between citizens and authorities in the recovery process.
**Interviewer:** Given the scale of the disaster, with over 200 fatalities, what steps should be taken by the government to restore trust in their processes?
**Dr. Martinez:** Transparency is key. The government must communicate openly about what is being done to aid those affected and what the next steps are in recovery efforts. They should also involve local communities in planning the recovery to ensure their needs are met. prioritizing long-term infrastructure improvements to mitigate future disasters can help restore faith in government capabilities.
**Interviewer:** The search for missing persons continues with slim hopes of finding survivors. What psychological support measures should be in place for both victims and emergency responders during such crises?
**Dr. Martinez:** Emotional and psychological support is vital. Victims need counseling and support groups to help them process their grief and trauma. Additionally, emergency responders, who often face extreme stress, should have access to mental health resources and debriefing sessions. Implementing these measures can prevent long-term psychological impacts on both groups.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Martinez, for your insights on this challenging situation. It’s clear that effective communication and empathy are crucial in managing the aftermath of such devastating events.
**Dr. Martinez:** Thank you for having me. It’s essential for everyone involved to work together to rebuild and learn from these disasters.
