In October 2024, Spain faced one of the most devastating natural disasters in recent years. The phenomenon, known as DANA, claimed 229 lives, with the Valencian Community at the epicenter of the catastrophe. At this critical moment, attention turned to the actions of the emergency services—particularly the decision by the fire department leadership regarding patrols in the hazardous area of Poyo (Poyo).
In the midst of the emergency, with a red alert already in effect and emergency services receiving hundreds of distress calls, the chief of the Valencia fire department questioned whether it was truly necessary to send a team to Poyo. By that time, crews had already carried out over two hundred rescue operations, and a hydrological alert was declared in the Poyo area. Despite this, the chief voiced doubts about the need for additional patrols, citing that resources were already engaged and the situation was under control.
This episode came under close scrutiny during the investigation. Case materials include a recording of a conversation between a civil protection representative and the fire chief, discussing the possibility of sending additional crews to the Magro River (Magro) and the Poyo area. During the dialogue, the fire chief showed little initiative, leaving the decision to colleagues from other agencies. As a result, despite alarming reports, patrols at key locations were organized with a delay.
Investigation and new details
It was later revealed that firefighters left the Poyo area about an hour and a half before the water overflowed and flooded nearby towns such as Chiva and Cheste. The reasons for this decision became the subject of legal proceedings in the court of Catarroja. The former head of the fire department explained it was due to falling water levels and the need to take a lunch break, which puzzled investigators.
The judge leading the investigation expressed surprise that despite the red alert level, no additional forces were deployed in the Poyo area to monitor the situation on the morning of October 29. Attention was also drawn to the role of the former head of the regional Ministry of Justice and Interior, who personally signed the document assigning oversight to this section, but according to the investigation, the measures were implemented too late.
Responsibility and next steps
As part of the investigation, the court requested information from various agencies to determine whether national authorities were involved in monitoring hazardous areas on the day of the tragedy. It also emerged that regional authorities declined assistance from environmental inspectors on the eve of the disaster, which has been a point of criticism.
The events surrounding the DANA tragedy in Valencia continue to spark heated debate about the readiness of emergency services and how decisions are made during critical moments. Investigators are trying to determine whether timely action could have prevented such severe consequences and who will be held responsible for any delays.
