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King Felipe VI travelled to Paiporta, Spain, on Sunday to inspect the damage caused by the historic flash floods that have killed more than 200 people.
When King Felipe VI arrived on Sunday to assess the damage from the historic flash floods that killed over 200 people earlier in the week, the streets of Paiporta, Spain, were ablaze with anger and frustration, according to The Guardian.
Crowds threw objects and mud and yelled obscenities as the king’s entourage attempted to control the situation. The king was met with cries of “Murderers!” and “Get out!” by protesters.
With calls for the resignation of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Valencia regional head Carlos Mazon, a large portion of the fury appeared to be directed at elected leaders. As Sanchez and his group quickly left the scene, bodyguards shielded them from the mud and debris with umbrellas.
According to The Guardian, the public rage came as the death toll from the floods climbed to 217. Mayors of the impacted municipalities begged officials to send assistance as the weather service issued another red alert on Sunday, predicting more intense rain in the region.
“We are devastated, and we are very angry,” Aldaia Mayor Guillermo Lujan said. “Our town is in ruins. I am pleading for assistance because we have to start over. Please assist us.
Many people in the area were dealing with the aftermath of the devastating floods, which rank as the deadliest in Spain’s recent history, including the town’s 33,000 residents. It is unknown how many people are missing.