As climate change exacerbates weather patterns along Spain's Mediterranean coast, floods are becoming commonplace and some previous incidents have been deadly. But after at least five decades without a major catastrophe, many people in Valencia were unaware of the grave dangers posed by flash flooding or how to respond.

Oct. 30 (UPI) -- Dozens are dead and many still feared missing in flash flooding to Spain's southeast in western Europe that Spain's defense minister called "unprecedented" with another European leader pointing to the "reality" of climate change. At least 72 people were dead, according to officials.

Valencian regional authorities reported that the fatalities include 211 in Valencia, two in Castilla La Mancha, and one in Andalusia. This disaster has been marked Europe’s most severe flood-related catastrophe since 1967 when floods in Portugal resulted in over 500 deaths.

Protesters filled the streets of Valencia to demand accountability for the handling of catastrophic floods that have claimed more than 200 people.

In the latest demonstration over the floods, protesters filled the centre of Valencia demanding the resignation of regional government leader Carlos Mazon and chanting “Killers!”. “Our hands are stained with mud, yours with blood,” read one banner. Some demonstrators dumped muddy boots outside the council building in protests.

Thousands of people demonstrated in Valencia. The protests are a response to the way regional authorities have handled the devastating floods, reports Reuters. In the latest demonstration over the floods,

The Spanish are continuing to deal with the aftermath of a tragic flood that struck the southeastern regions at the end of October. The most significant flood in a decade claimed the lives of 223 people.