Briefing
On 29 October 2026, two silent memorial marches from Albal and Benetússer on Barranco del Poyo came together at the symbolic site of the floods of 29 October 2024. Organised by the Comités Locales de Emergencia y Reconstrucción (CLER) and supported by several victims’ associations, hundreds of participants remembered the 233 people who died and demanded truth, justice and concrete damage-mitigation measures.
The two processions moved through the town centres in silence and by candlelight, meeting on the bridge that connects the municipalities of Catarroja and Massanassa . Representatives of victims’ groups read out a joint manifesto at the site. It called for accelerated investigations, full transparency about alert and evacuation decisions, and the swift implementation of flood protection projects already recommended.
Criticism of more recent construction and infrastructure projects in flood-prone areas also struck a chord. The organisers warned that large-scale building plans could further seal off risk areas and divert funds from prevention and adaptation. They called for hazard maps, flow paths and retention areas to be taken into account as binding considerations in spatial planning.
Memorial events were also held in Valencia and other affected locations; several associations also expressed solidarity with the victims of the recent railway accident in Urda. Criminal and disciplinary investigations into the response to the events of 29 October 2024 remain among the unresolved issues: according to official information, investigations into alerts, warning chains and decision-making are under way, but no reliable findings are available yet.
Participants stressed that public pressure must not let up until institutions establish who is responsible and protective standards are implemented. The Barranco del Poyo remains a memorial for the region and a test of whether promises lead to lasting preparedness and visible infrastructure measures.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).