Valencia's Devastation: A Year After the Unimaginable Floods

In a solemn but tense atmosphere, hundreds gathered in Valencia's City of Arts and Sciences as Spain's King Felipe presided over a state funeral for the victims of last year's catastrophic floods. Emotions ran high on Wednesday, marking a year since the disaster claimed 237 lives.

The floods, which were the deadliest Europe had witnessed in over five decades, have left a legacy of anger among survivors and victims' families. Many attendees wore black T-shirts emblazoned with the words 'Their deaths were avoidable' in Valencian. Carmina, a mourning relative, expressed the collective grief, explaining the necessity of a communal ceremony.

Protests have erupted, criticizing regional leader Carlos Mazon, under investigation for his handling of the disaster. As the recovery continues, with aid numbers reaching billions, discussions are rife about climate change's role due to the high-altitude isolated depression known as DANA causing these extreme weather events.