Prince Ricardo De La Cerda
Following an emotionally charged visit to meet people affected by devastating floods, King Felipe chaired a crisis meeting about the response to the extreme weather which has claimed over 200 lives across Spain.
The Spanish king oversaw an executive meeting at the Headquarters of the Military Emergency Unit (UME) of Torrejon Air Base. The meeting’s main topic of discussion was the changing weather and climate change that led to the intense flooding that devastated parts of Spain.
It came less than a day after King Felipe and Queen Letizia visited Paiporta, a town in Valencia that was battered by flood waters and where they were met by hostile residents.
The royal couple was pelted with mud and had insults shouted at them, including “murderer”. However, they chose to remain and to continue to speak with everyone possible. Other objects were also throne at Felipe and Letizia.
The Spanish queen reportedly responded, “How can they not feel that way? How can they not be angry.” She was seen to be moved by the situation, with tears in her eyes several times.
The catastrophic flooding is the worst natural disaster in Spain for decades. The death toll has risen to 214, as reported on Monday.