In October 2024, the Valencian Community found itself at the center of one of the most devastating tragedies in recent years. That evening, as dozens of residents from the municipalities of Paiporta and Catarroja had already lost their lives to the disaster, former Justice and Interior Advisor Salome Pradas tried to reach President Carlos Mazón. She called him twice to report a critical delay in sending out the mass Es-Alert warning, but was unable to get through both times. It was only on her third attempt that she managed to speak to the regional leader—by then, the situation was already out of control.
At that moment, the municipalities were being ravaged by the elements: the overflowing Poyo stream (barranco del Poyo) unleashed a powerful wave that swept away entire neighborhoods. At least 55 people died in Paiporta and 25 more in Catarroja. The emergency headquarters (Cecopi), which brought together representatives from all levels of government, was locked in heated debate—but the crucial time had been lost. The mobile alert went out at 8:11 p.m., when most of the missing were already unresponsive.
Investigation and disputes among officials
The situation surrounding the authorities’ actions quickly escalated into a high-profile investigation. Pradas, who became one of the main suspects in the case, claims she kept the regional leadership informed about everything in due time. She insists that all decisions were made within the emergency task force, and that the president and his team received all the necessary information. However, Mazón himself states he was not aware of the Es-Alert being sent and that he was not supposed to be involved in this process, since such actions are not included in the flood response protocol.
The investigation revealed that Mazón spent almost four hours at the El Ventorro restaurant, after which he tried to contact Pradas. Later, there were several more brief conversations between them, but the key decisions had already been made without his involvement. The judge leading the case believes that if the alert had been sent earlier, more lives could have been saved. This issue has become central in the investigation into possible negligence and involuntary manslaughter.
Accountability and consequences for the leadership
Along with Pradas, the former emergency services director is also under investigation. The judge offered Mazón three opportunities to testify voluntarily, but he refused, citing his status. Now, the continuation of the investigation depends on the decision of the region’s highest court.
The tragedy in Valencia has prompted a major reassessment of the alert system and coordination between different levels of government. Questions remain about who should make key decisions and when in the midst of a disaster. For many residents of the region, this story has become a symbol of how bureaucratic delays and miscommunications can cost lives.
