Lorraine Williamson
In late October 2024, the Valencia region experienced catastrophic flooding due to a DANA (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos), resulting in over 220 fatalities and numerous missing persons.
The disaster has ignited widespread criticism of the regional government’s response, particularly concerning delayed emergency alerts.
Delayed emergency alerts under scrutiny
The national weather service, AEMET, issued a red alert at 7.36 am on October 29, warning of extreme danger from heavy rainfall. However, the regional government’s emergency notification to residents was not dispatched until 8.11 pm, approximately 12 hours later. By this time, many areas were already severely affected by floods and mudslides. This delay has been a focal point of criticism, with many arguing that a timely warning could have saved lives.
Judicial investigation into negligence
Judge Nuria Ruiz of the Court of Instruction No. 3 in Catarroja is leading an investigation into the deaths and injuries associated with potential negligence during the disaster. The judicial summary spans nearly a thousand pages, examining whether gross negligence contributed to the high casualty rate. The judge has described the mass alert sent by the Generalitat Valenciana as “late” and containing a “false” message. Testimonies indicate that many drownings occurred between 7.00 pm and 8.00 pm, before the issuance of the official alert.
Heartbreaking accounts from victims’ families
Numerous families have shared tragic stories of loved ones lost to the floods. Many victims were elderly or had limited mobility, and several incidents involved individuals attempting to save vehicles from garages or becoming trapped in elevators. For instance, a 60-year-old couple perished in an elevator, and a 91-year-old woman was found deceased on the ground floor of her residence. These accounts underscore the devastating human impact of the disaster and the critical need for prompt emergency communication.
Public outcry and demands for accountability
The handling of the disaster has led to public demonstrations demanding accountability from regional authorities. On November 9, approximately 100,000 people marched in Valencia, calling for the resignation of regional president Carlos Mazón. Protesters criticised the government’s perceived negligence and inadequate response to the crisis. The situation has sparked a broader debate about the effectiveness of emergency management and communication protocols in the face of natural disasters.
Ongoing recovery efforts
As of January 2025, recovery efforts continue in the Valencia region. The death toll has risen to 224, with several individuals still unaccounted for. The disaster has prompted a reevaluation of emergency response systems and infrastructure resilience to better prepare for future extreme weather events.
The October 2024 DANA disaster in Valencia has highlighted significant challenges in emergency preparedness and response. The delayed alert system, combined with infrastructure vulnerabilities, contributed to the tragic loss of life. The ongoing judicial investigation and public demand for accountability underscore the necessity for systemic improvements to safeguard communities against future natural disasters.