### Spanish Royal Couple Faces Mud-Slinging Anger from Flood Survivors

PAIPORTA, Spain - In an unprecedented display of public outrage, a crowd of flood survivors in Paiporta hurled mud at King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia during their visit to the disaster-stricken town on Sunday. The monarchs were in the region to survey the aftermath of Spain's deadliest natural calamity in recent memory, which resulted in at least 205 deaths in eastern Spain, including over 60 in Paiporta alone.

The royal couple, who are typically cherished by the public, were met with fierce hostility. The crowd not only pelted them with mud but also threw rocks and other objects, leading to injuries among their security detail. Spanish national broadcaster RTVE reported that two bodyguards required medical attention, one of whom sustained a bloody wound on his forehead.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who also visited the area, had to be escorted away promptly as enraged residents shouted “Get out! Get out!” and “Killers!” at him and other officials. The varying reactions highlight the nation's growing frustration with what many perceive as the government's inadequate response to the crisis.

On the streets of Paiporta, Queen Letizia was visibly emotional, breaking into tears as she listened to residents recount their harrowing experiences. Despite the hostile environment, King Felipe VI remained composed and attempted to engage with individuals, offering condolences and sharing quick embraces, even as he was smeared with mud.

The royal family's unexpected reception contrasts sharply with their usual public appearances, which are typically marked by enthusiastic crowds. King Felipe ascended to the throne in 2014 after his father, Juan Carlos, abdicated amid financial scandals. Since then, Felipe and Letizia have worked to modernize the monarchy and champion cultural and scientific causes.

However, the management of the flood disaster has sparked widespread indignation. Residents remain without drinking water five days after the floods, with power only restored on Saturday. The delay in issuing flood alerts and the sluggish cleanup efforts have further exacerbated the crisis. Residents and volunteers have largely shouldered the burden of clearing the thick layers of mud and debris.

Protesters also demanded the resignation of regional Valencia President Carlo Mazón, criticizing the overall governance of the crisis. The mud-slinging incident led the royal entourage to cancel a planned visit to another affected village, Chiva.

Prime Minister Sánchez has vowed that recovery efforts will continue unabated, offering solidarity to the affected communities and condemning the violence that marked the royal couple’s visit. Meanwhile, additional Spanish soldiers, national police officers, and Civil Guard gendarmes are being deployed to assist in the ongoing relief efforts.