On the day Valencia was hit by a powerful storm, staff at the regional emergency center had already prepared a text for a mass alert to the population. However, residents only received the warning more than an hour and a half after the draft message was created. During this delay, hundreds of lives were lost, and the consequences of the flooding became some of the most tragic in the region’s history.
According to documents submitted to the court, the draft alert was prepared at 18:37, but the mobile notification campaign didn’t begin until 20:11. The message advised people to stay at home and await further instructions, but it didn’t directly urge residents to seek higher ground—a measure that might have saved more lives. There was particular concern over the Forata dam on the Magro river, where there was a risk of collapse.
Investigation reveals new details of the tragedy
Court proceedings over the authorities’ actions on the day of the disaster are ongoing. The investigation has found that most victims were in the flood zone of the barranco del Poyo stream, where water arrived with unexpected speed. Prosecutors note that not only was the alert sent late, but it also failed to provide sufficiently specific recommendations to help save lives.
As part of the investigation, authorities are also reviewing a video in which the former head of the regional Interior Ministry discusses the scale of the disaster with the president of the autonomous community. In the footage, officials can be heard describing the situation as unprecedented, noting that even rescue teams could not reach some areas. At that moment, communication in the building was interrupted, which only worsened the chaos and made coordination even more difficult.
Questions about the authorities’ actions
The public and the families of the victims are demanding answers as to why such a crucial message was not sent immediately after it was prepared. Investigators are analyzing how decisions were made during those critical moments and why all available communication channels were not used. Regional officials stress that they were confronted with a disaster of extraordinary speed and scale, yet for many, these explanations are far from convincing.
The tragedy in Valencia has prompted a review of emergency response protocols for natural disasters. Discussions are now underway about the need for clearer instructions for residents and faster emergency alert procedures. The results of the investigation could bring significant changes to the alert system and increase accountability for public officials.
