The mayor of Paiporta, Maribel Albalat, told the BBC she was shocked by the violence, but that she understood “the frustration and desperation of the people”.
Juan Bordera, a member of the Valencian parliament, called the king’s visit “a very bad decision”.
Authorities “didn’t listen to any warnings,” Mr Bordera told the BBC.
“It’s logical that the people are angry, it’s logical that the people didn’t understand why this visit is so urgent,” he added.
On Saturday, Sánchez ordered 10,000 more troops, police officers and civil guards to the area.
He said the deployment was Spain’s largest in peacetime. But he added that he was aware the response was “not enough” and acknowledged “severe problems and shortages”.
The flooding began on Tuesday, following a period of intense rainfall. Floodwaters quickly caused bridges to collapse and enveloped towns in thick mud.
Many communities were cut off, left without access to water, food, electricity and other basic services.
