Over 130,000 Spanish people marched the streets of Valencia on Saturday, protesting the government’s handling of recent deadly floods by local authorities, BBC reported.
Protesters demanded the resignation of Regional President Carlos Mazon after the flooding caused more than 200 deaths, with 80 people still missing.
During the massive protest, demonstrators chanted: “We are stained with mud, you are stained with blood.” They criticized the local government for issuing flood warnings too late, claiming it led to unnecessary casualties.
Protesters accused local authorities of neglect. Clashes between protesters and police erupted toward the end of the demonstrations, with reports of objects being thrown, including chairs.
Protesters smeared the walls of Valencia City Hall with mud. The city’s mayor, Maria Jose Catala, condemned the vandalism, calling it an “unproductive response.” She posted images on social media showing broken windows and a video that appeared to show a fire being set.
Reports indicated that Spain’s weather agency issued storm warnings for the region beginning October 25, but local authorities failed to issue mobile phone alerts until hours after the floods had started.
The flooding has left thousands homeless, with streets in many areas still covered in mud and debris.