Latest flooding in Valencia: Spain's prime minister says “the devastating episode is not yet over” after flash floods killed dozens of people

Guy Hedgecoe
Reporting from Madrid

The regional government of Valencia has been criticized for allegedly not adequately preparing for the flash floods.

“There are governments that are privatizing and dismantling their institutions, and there are governments that are proud of it,” said Gabriel Rufián of the Catalan Republican Left (ERC).

He was referring to the conservative government of Carlos Mazón, which, when it came to power in 2023, disbanded the Valencia Emergency Unit (UVE), saying it was inefficient.

On radio, Mr. Mazón defended his handling of the crisis, saying that “the experts are talking about an absolutely unprecedented situation.”

He also responded to claims warnings about the floods had not been clear enough, saying they were given “in the right way”.