The scandal surrounding the actions of Valencia authorities during the devastating DANA on October 29, 2024 has once again brought attention to the transparency of government operations. The issue of how the audio recording of the conversation between 112 emergency service staff and a representative from Aemet was obtained and used has become central to understanding how openly and properly officials act in critical situations. For residents of Spain, this event is significant not only because of the tragic aftermath of the disaster, but also due to the potential changes in how information is managed by emergency services.
As reported by El Pais, the investigation began after it was revealed that senior officials from the Valencia government personally retrieved the audio recording from the 112 operations center. This recording was later released in an abbreviated and distorted form, creating the impression that Aemet had underestimated the threat posed by the approaching DANA. However, the full version of the conversation included a warning about the highest level of risk in the second half of the day, which was confirmed by subsequent events.
How the recording was obtained
According to El Pais, the initiative to seize the audio recording came from government leadership. Two senior officials from the departments of justice and internal affairs—Ricardo Garcia Garcia and Alberto Martin Moratilla—received a copy of the conversation on an electronic medium. One of them personally went to the 112 center to make sure the required fragment was located and handed over. No official documents or written requests were issued, which raised questions during the investigation.
Witness statements confirmed that such a practice was unprecedented for the 112 system. Usually, these recordings are not released without formal grounds and only by court request. This time, the audio file was handed over without explanation and without following standard procedures. This fact served as grounds for a criminal case under charges of disclosing official secrets.
Reaction and consequences
The spread of a distorted version of the conversation sparked a wave of criticism toward the Valencia government. The authorities explained their actions as necessary to understand the causes of an information blackout during the incident, arguing that Aemet and the hydrological service failed to fully convey the seriousness of the situation. However, the investigation revealed that key warnings had indeed been issued but were cut from the public version of the audio recording.
During the interrogation, Deputy Director for Emergency Situations Jorge Suarez confirmed that the recording was found and handed over precisely on the orders of the management. He also noted that such actions had never taken place before. The investigation established that the audio file was transferred without any formal basis, which is a violation of current legislation on the protection of official information.
Legal aspects
Court proceedings in this case began after a complaint from the Valencia prosecutor’s office. The charges state that the conversation between employees of 112 and Aemet was confidential and could only be disclosed at the request of the court. The law on civil protection and emergency management in the Valencian Community explicitly prohibits transferring such materials to third parties without appropriate authorization.
According to El Pais, the investigation is ongoing, and its findings could lead to changes in the regulations governing access to official information in emergency services. The question of who exactly decided to distribute the distorted recording remains unanswered. Valencia authorities have so far declined to comment, citing the secrecy of the investigation.
Context and similar cases
In recent years, Spain has seen increasing debate over access to official information within emergency services. For instance, after the flooding in Murcia in 2022, transparency in data sharing between agencies was widely discussed. An investigation at the time revealed shortcomings in coordination but did not lead to any criminal cases. In Catalonia, following wildfires in 2023, new protocols were introduced to protect official records. These events demonstrate that information management during crises remains a pressing issue, requiring ongoing oversight from both society and authorities.
