Intense rainfall in eastern Spain caused deadly and destructive flash floods in the province of Valencia last week, leading to significant damage. King Felipe and Queen Letizia visited the town of Paiporta, one of the areas most affected by the floods, alongside Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and other officials. The King and Queen also attended a meeting at the Integrated Operational Coordination Center (CECOPI) of the Valencian Community.
They were met with an angry crowd and got mud and other stuff thrown at them.
ReplyDeleteActually the insults and mud were for the politicians, the Prime Minister and the President of the Autonomous Community of Valencia that were with them too. Pedro Sánchez run away.
DeleteIt's a bit strange that this is not mentioned in the information above
DeleteYet they continued and did it with grace!
DeleteWhy?
DeleteWhich they did NOT deserve!!
DeleteFor those asking why, go to the news and read a report.
DeleteBecause of this visit the ongoing rescue operations had to be stopped for half a day. I can understand their sentiments.
DeleteApparently Aid response was late! it was bad to watch, Felipe was pushed and covered in mud. its the governments job to deal with emergency responses, Royals only come in comfort the people.
DeleteAnon 07:08....The King and Queen stayed listening and conforting people.., Pedro Sánchez run away....The Monarchy now has gained respect
DeleteQueen Letizia is dressed appropriately for the somber mood. Good of her and the King to arrive quickly after the disaster. This is one of the most important jobs for monarchs to reach out to the people and responders to show you care.
ReplyDeleteThe people of Valencia do not agree, they have been without any help until now, only volunteers and there are 2000 people missing yet...and 217 people have died.
DeleteThe did NOT arrive quickly.
DeleteArrived quicky!? Don't you read the news? It took them four days to get there! No wonder mud and insults were thrown at them by the angry people.
DeleteAna Katarina
Sie wurden mit Schlamm und Dreck beworfen und übelst von den Menschen beschimpft als sie vor Ort waren.
ReplyDeleteIt was to Pedro Sánchez Who was there too, but he run away.
DeleteJa, und langsam kommt heraus, wer hinter diesen Angriffen steckt
DeleteMore than the clothing, I'm struck by the body language of the King and Queen.
ReplyDelete- Anon 9:13
I noticed that as well.
DeleteOut of curriosity, what were you expecting them to wear? Gala attire to a disaster zone? Were you expecting them to laugh together in the midst of tragedy?
Delete@Anon 22:51 Your very poor understanding of my words does you no credit at all. In fact it is shameful. My comment states that while other posters are remarking on their clothing (fashion blog), I couldn't care about their attire at all. Instead, their stern looks, folded arms and legs-apart stance convey a look of defiance when listening to those affected. At least in these photographs.
Delete- Anon 9:13
Anon 22:51 What are you talking about? I think you missed what was being said by Anon 17:50. The clothes are of no importance in this situation. If you look at the expressions on their faces in the last two photos, they actually look angry. I don't know if they are angry, but it does not look like sympathy. It is not a typical expression we see on either one of them.
DeleteTo me their expressions look like concern and sympathy, perhaps mixed with anger, over the tragic situation. Maybe anger due to the slow response over the situation, not anger at having to be there to support their people. If you look at the expressions of people around the King and Queen they also look angry along with concern. Nobody is smiling and laughing. And weren’t there officials who actually ran away during the flooding? They are the ones people should be angry with!
DeleteI think anger is reasonable. The situation was handled badly. There is no excuse for that.
DeleteJe pense que ce n'était forcement destiné à eux, mais ces pauvres habitants doivent être dans une telle détresse qu'ils en veulent à la terre entière et reportent leur épuisement sur n'importe quelle autorité. Les habitants en veulent aussi aux autorités de ne pas les avoir prévenus assez tôt malgré les prévisions météorologiques.
ReplyDeleteThe mud and other things thrown were directed towards the Prime Minister of Spain and the President of the region who are criticised to have been extremely slow in warnings and aids. The King and Queen decided to stay, in spite of the anger, to listen, comfort and support. Even manifestants said so, the anger was not directed at them except incidentally. Apparently the President of the region is a right wing who do not believe in climate change. The Queen have been seen hugging and crying with people crying in her arms. The King and Queen have shown exemplary courage, dignity and empathy. For many in Spain, according to newspapers, the Queen and King have conquer the heart of their country, even if they are powerless.
ReplyDeleteThere is no food, no water, no electricity, no clothes...they need help, the Spanish Red Cross is conducting donations, only if you are interested
ReplyDeleteThe king has rightly understanding the reaction of those who are experiencing an immense tragedy (apart from any subversive infiltrations)
ReplyDeleteThe people were especially angry because a lot of interventions to fight these floods and which had been promised in the past, have never been executed. I saw pictures in my newspaper where queen Letizia at a certain moment had fear in her eyes. The king didn't show fear but continued to talk with the people and said the circumstances were that bad that he could understand their anger. In the afternoon another visit to another place has been cancelled because the police and security couldn't guarantee it was safe for the king and queen. Looking at the pictures of the disaster the floods have caused, it is understandable that the habitants of these places who lost everything their houses, their home, probably relatives who were killed or injured turned mad of being angry. It reminds me a bit of the floods which happened a couple of years ago in Belgium, The Netherlands and parts of Germany. The consequences of the climate change are becoming more and more real year after year.
ReplyDeleteIn such circumstances fashion is far from being important.
They arrived 4 days late!! The Queen was crying with mud all over her face!! Show the real pictures!!
ReplyDeleteOther pictures are for newspapers and not appropriate on this blog.
DeleteIt’s not necessarily helpful to have a Royal visit in a disaster when what you need is rescue and coordination crews! This is why such a visit is delayed a few days. Lives first, visits second - Grace
DeleteThere were before and after pics, but as this is a fashion blog, the before pics are shown. That’s ok. There are also pics and videos in other sites as you’ve seen of the queen crying as she embraces people affected by the flood. I would too. A terrible frightening and confronting situation. You can be glad they didn’t fly in on day 1 and interrupt the urgent tasks and more important work; day 4 will have been when the local coordination believed the timing to be ok. - Grace
DeleteI am not from Spain. Can you explain how it is Felipe and Letizia's fault? I understand that they have no political power. I want to understand why they are being targeted. In my country, governors and the president will tour disaster areas, but never in the first days. The government wants to insure the safety of officials. It would only make matters worse if our leaders were harmed or killed as a result of entering a disaster area too soon. The goal is to assess the damage without any further loss of life. Since our elected officials are not trained in the emergency efforts needed, They would only be in the way if they arrived during search and rescue efforts because they would require security, and it would draw the resources away from these efforts.
DeleteAnon 21:48...The King and Queen travelled with the President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez and the President of Valencia Who h
DeleteDid nothing in 4 days and 217 people have died and 2000 missing...they have Lost everyrhing..the asked for the Army to go there for rescue they were trapped in cars. ..Trey were involved..I. Spanish we say "pagaron el pato".
Isn't it always like that ?. After a disaster everybody has their advice about what should have been done, afterwards it is of course easy.
DeleteIn southern parts of Europe, Italy, Spain, Greece... when such terrible things happen the rescue activities are always chaotic. I know that from the very first moment Belgium heard about the catastrophy the government offered help. I don't know if there have been further contacts from Spain to let know what kind of help they needed the very first days.
The King and Queen waited a few days to get to the site so as not to get in the way of rescue efforts not because they did not care. If they had gotten there immediately they’d have been criticized for being attention seekers. Damed if they do, damned if they don’t!
DeleteAnon 21:48 are you familiar with the expression the straw that broke the camel's back. It seems there was pent up anger among the victims and it became misdirected anger at them. Or, a ricochet: it was aimed at Pedro Sanchez and he dodged it and they got it. Claire
DeleteThe images of the disaster are horrific, such destruction and loss. The Queen looks appropriately dressed.
ReplyDeleteThis Royal couple will do their best to help.
ReplyDeleteMESH
Grace 21:13 said it best. It is not appropriate for officials or royals to be there first. Rescue workers, aide agencies need to get in there without the burden of security involved for the royals. The king and queen were dressed appropriately. They empathize with the people and I am sure are not happy with the hardship this natural disaster has caused their country.
ReplyDeleteAgreed.
DeleteAda
The King and Queen went to the devastated Area so see the damage and to lend support to the people and they have been attacked by outsiders. It seems it really does not matter if someone really cares, because there are always people who want to do harm, for their own satisfaction and put blame to someone else or something else. I want to ask these people, if in their opinion God died and put them in charge? If their answer is yes, then God help us.
ReplyDeletecss
You obviously have no idea what has happened in Spain, I do not know why you are speaking..
DeleteSupport?? Poor people have been without ANY support by the government or anyone in 7 days... that is because they are angry..
Spanish people complain about everything and anything! First you have to let emergency services do their job, clear the roads before food and water comes in. 4 days is reasonable time
DeleteAnon11: 21..Can you understand there was nobody there?? O emergency services at all..Complain about everyrhing? I only Hope nothing like that Will happening to you..
DeleteAnonymous 11:21...Did you see the emergency services in Valencia in 4 days? Me neither...Clean roads?? There are lots of Cars in the roads with death people inside..you obviously have no idea . It was as a Tsunami..2000 people missing, 219 dead people
DeleteClean the roads?? Which ones? There are NO roads...they are destroyed.. nobody can enter., only by helicopter... people are homeless....and trapped in their Cars, after a week obviously death...It is an Scandal..
DeleteI have heard Presidents of the US be criticized for not visiting a disaster scene right away--and their media people make it very clear: to provide the necessary support and protection for a POTUS takes away from the people helping to rescue, support, etc in the affected area. This is why King Felipe and Queen Letizia waited for 4 days--they did not want to distract from the huge needs. They are both perfectly dressed for visiting the area. They are caring, concerned, and very focused on what they are hearing and learning. Their body language mirrors others in the photographs. I read the articles about the booing, mud and debris throwing, etc. I think Felipe and Letizia understood the anger--coming from fear, loss, and grief--and that is why they continued their visit--to show they care and want to help. They have soft power and it is very obvious they intend to use it--here and to make sure nothing like this can happen again.
ReplyDeleteJanet
Not really..I do not know why you are making things Up...the government in Spain do not know the reality...and Pedro Sánchez obliged the King to travel with him...but he run away
Delete@Anon 8:09 I'm not sure what you think Janet is making up. Janet is correct about the way US officials are brought in to disaster areas. While receiving constant updates, they do not visit until it is safe to do so, and they will not hinder rescue efforts. Something they will do is survey the area from a helicopter days before touring on the ground, depending on the type of disaster. It is considered a time for everyone to do their jobs--first responders are busy with search and rescue, and government officials are doing what is required to declare "State" and "National Disaster Areas" which releases special government funds. First responders from all around the state and the rest of the country volunteer to travel, sometimes days, to lend aide. They don't even have to ask for volunteers, our first responders just go where they are needed in times of great emergency. Due to its size, the US has many natural disasters of all kinds. Maybe we have had more practice than other countries.
DeleteI can't say what happens in Spain, but it doesn't sound like the government officials did their jobs. Do first responders need to receive special orders from the government before they mobilize? Do they not do that on a local level? I don't know how that reflects on a king and queen. I would imagine Felipe's power only allows him to put pressure on the appropriate agencies to do their jobs. The anger is understandable, but should be directed at the right people. I think it says a lot that Felipe and Letizia stayed after what happened.
Completely agree, Janet!
DeleteYes, practicality rules the day, not high fashion. How upsetting there are so many missing, and there is a death toll. The people were desperate for help. Mud is one thing, but pls don't throw rocks! Wish I could fly over and help. Chris L
ReplyDeleteThey had to do worse things to Pedro Sánchez..I do not know why you are speaking without any knowaledge...THEY HAVE BEEN Without HELP..
DeleteAnon 8:11 - you are hitting on part of the problem. There has been little to no tv news coverage here in the States. There was no way to know that gov't emergency resources weren't dispatched. There are a lot of ex-pats from other countries retired to Spain - did any of those governments offer help? I don't see what was wrong with saying I wish I could help. Chris L
DeleteThe people do not want royalty and others to have a look.They needed help.
ReplyDeleteThat is right, in almost a week only volunteers from the whole Spain have help, we are sending boots, clothes, food that does not need to be cooked or fridge...
DeleteThere are lots of Cars in the streets destroyed and 3 metres of mud..and people homeless...the Army arrives yesterday... Obviously Pedro Sánchez was traveling with the King to hide behind him...
As someone else said . Spanish Red Cross admita Bizum and donations.
I understand anger of those people, most of them have lost everything, even relatives, on the news I saw that they really strugle, have not enough food and basic things for living. And they need help. So I think when someone comes to see them have to help them, they do not need just someone to come and look. And king is over priviliged and to come in such devastation without any help is insensitive. I'm sure they can afford to bring along on those visits some supplies, like blankets, food, nappies or something. Coming empty handed is insensitive for me.
ReplyDeleteThis is really nonsense, sorry: the King is not for material but for moral support!
DeleteThe King is the Head Commander of the Army...and the Army was needed with machinery...he said that he was prepared...but the government refused
DeleteMoral support? Psychologies are for that...he is the Head of State..and represents the people..
DeletePeople need leaders. Without them, there is chaos. That is a fact. Felipe filled the role as a leader where others failed. He did the right thing and did it well given all circumstances.
DeleteThe issue is that the government's management of the aid response has been very poor, many deaths could have been saved.
ReplyDeleteThe danger alarms on cell phones arrived 8 hours late and people could not get to safety.
And then it took 4 days for emergency personnel to arrive, the Army arrived yesterday with machinary..that's why people are angry. Now what are you coming for? if you have left us alone. Obviously the king does not have executive power, but he is the head of the state and the Head Commander of the Army, he said that he wanted to act but the government refused, it is the first time a King is againts a government . In the end, the only one who stood up, the people have understood that the king is the only one who is with the people.
Sorry my English, I try only to clarify.
Your English is very good, well communicated thank you - Grace
DeleteI understand perfectly what you write! You give good background information: thank you. I think the King will understand the emotions.
DeleteI just read in my newspaper that the Belgian Red Cross donated €100.000 to the Spanish Red Cross. A lot of private initiatives from groups of Belgian people to help the region of Valencia have been started. Trucks full of goods are on their way to Spain. Also Belgian tourists who know the region of Valencia from their holidays are rassembling goods which they will bring there in trucks. People from Valencia who are living in Brussels are also organizing things to help in their homeland.
ReplyDeleteMany Thanks!! on behalf of Spain..at least a country that have understand what is happening. Here in Spain we are sending goods too, because the recovery Will last for a while.
DeleteI think that some people live in the same place of our government, they do not know a thing but they speak...a bit of rai...a bot of mud..we Will do nothing..
ReplyDeleteIt was as a Tsunami with a tornado..There are people trapped in their Cars died yet, Machinery is necesary...and others Who are not going to survive..
France wanted to help and was refused the aid..
There is no water or food...and yoy think about a wealthy King... Actually he understood perfectly the situation
I only Hope never you need to overclme..
https://www-bbc-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.bbc.com/mundo/articles/c0rg1qy8pqwo.amp?amp_gsa=1&_js_v=a9&usqp=mq331AQIUAKwASCAAgM%3D#amp_tf=De%20%251%24s&aoh=17308113632231&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&share=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bbc.com%2Fmundo%2Farticles%2Fc0rg1qy8pqwo
ReplyDeleteI now this is a fashion blog, but people is not informed well, I'm afraid
Le couple royal ainsi que surtout Pedro Sanchez auraient dû être à l'unisson pour être plus près du peuple ; trop de retard dans la transmission des informations !
ReplyDeletePost a Comment
(We will not publish anonymous comments that were posted without stating a name or nickname)