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21h ago

Spain Holds State Memorial for Valencia Flood Victims on First Anniversary

Public mourning coincides with a court inquiry into the region’s handling of the disaster.

A man stands next to stranded cars, in the aftermath of floods caused by heavy rains, in Sedavi, Valencia, Spain, October 31, 2024. Almost 240 people died in Spain after torrential rains in October 2024 triggered floods that swept through eastern and southeastern Spain. The most severely hit area was Valencia's southern suburbs, where more than 220 people died. REUTERS/Susana Vera/File Photo
Image
Public figures and relatives of the victims attend a memorial ceremony marking one year since floods that killed more than 230 people, in Valencia, Spain, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)
Spanish King Felipe and Queen Letizia, next to Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, left, attend a memorial ceremony marking one year since floods that killed more than 230 people, in Valencia, Spain, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)

Overview

  • King Felipe VI led a national ceremony in Valencia attended by families of the deceased, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and regional officials.
  • Carlos Mazón was jeered by some relatives at the venue after months of protests demanding his resignation over the emergency response.
  • A court is investigating the delayed phone alert sent at 8:11 p.m. and Mazón’s actions on the day, including reports of a prolonged lunch as flooding escalated.
  • The central government this week approved €5 billion in loan guarantees for affected households and businesses, with more than €8 billion already disbursed for cleanup and recovery.
  • Authorities count 237 deaths nationwide, including 229 in the Valencia region, with recent recoveries of victims underscoring the scale of destruction from the DANA-driven flash floods.