On October 29, 2024, specialists from the Spanish Meteorological Agency (Aemet) notified the regional government of Valencia that a weather front was moving toward the mountainous area of Cuenca. On that day, the deadliest flood in the region’s history claimed the lives of 228 people.
According to documents added to the investigation of the disaster, staff from the emergency services unit of the Valencian Community stayed in contact with Aemet representatives in the morning. During a phone conversation, they discussed possible scenarios for the weather conditions and the likelihood of increased rainfall in neighboring provinces.
Meteorologists noted that the main rainfall was shifting further inland toward Cuenca and did not rule out that the weather risk level could rise. At the same time, according to their estimates, Valencia province was still experiencing heavy, though not extreme, rains, which could nevertheless worsen the situation due to water accumulation.
In the afternoon and towards evening, specialists exchanged updates on the situation. Radar data showed a decrease in thunderstorm activity, which could indicate a reduction in rainfall intensity. However, forecasts indicated that the peak of the downpour was shifting northwest toward Cuenca and the plateau.
At the same time, regional government head Carlos Mazón announced at a press conference that the weather front was moving towards Cuenca and suggested that the storm would weaken by evening. However, during this period, dozens of people became trapped in underground spaces and lower floors of buildings, and many had already fallen victim to the raging elements after the Poyo stream overflowed its banks.
Later, Mazón posted an update about the situation on his X social media account, where he has more than 29,000 followers, but soon deleted it.
