The scandal surrounding the 2024 tragedy in Valencia is gaining momentum again. New testimonies from officials cast doubt on the official account of events and raise questions about how regional authorities responded to the threat that claimed hundreds of lives. For local residents, this is more than just another news story—it concerns trust in the alert system and the accountability of those who were supposed to protect the population.
Testimony under oath
In the court of Catarroja, former deputy head of the Department of Justice and Interior Ricardo Garcia gave testimony that contradicts the statements of ex-counselor Salomé Pradas. According to him, the Valencia administration was aware of the capabilities of the Es-Alert emergency notification system long before the disaster. This statement comes amid an investigation in which Pradas remains the main figure. As reported by El Pais, Judge Nuria Ruiz Tobarra is looking into why the alert was not sent in time, since doing so could have saved dozens of lives.
According to investigators, the Es-Alert system could have played a key role in preventing mass casualties. However, Garcia says the decision to use it was discussed too late—only when the situation was already out of control. At that point, the Emergency Coordination Center (Cecopi) was already receiving reports of fatalities and destruction in towns such as Paiporta and Catarroja.
Chronicle of the disaster
On the day of the tragedy, as torrential rains hit Valencia, the situation in the region rapidly deteriorated. By 2:30 p.m., the head of the risk analysis department, Juan Ramón Cueva Camps, reported a critical situation in Utiel due to the morning downpours. Rescue teams soon turned their attention to the threat of the Forata dam breaking in Yátova, which could potentially have affected thousands of people. By 5:30 p.m., flooding had begun near the Magro River by Algemesí, reminding witnesses of the catastrophic floods of 2000.
Despite the growing threat, the decision to issue a mass alert via Es-Alert was made only in the evening, when the death toll was already rising. According to El Pais, the judge repeatedly emphasized that timely use of the system could have changed the course of events. Witnesses noted that uncertainty and lack of experience among regional leaders contributed to the delay.
Responsibility and consequences
Hearings revealed that not only technical capabilities, but also the human factor played a decisive role. According to those present at the meeting, the emergency lacked clear decision-making and coordination between services. Pradas, as the sole manager at the time of the crisis, now faces serious charges of negligence.
Recalling other high-profile cases, it’s worth noting that the actions of authorities in critical situations have been questioned before. For example, during the height of the Valencia flood, there was debate over why the former regional head declined security just minutes before lunch, a key point in the investigation. More on this can be found in the article about the leadership’s decisions on the day of the disaster.
Context and similar incidents
Spain has faced the consequences of natural disasters before, when the speed and coordination of authorities can determine the lives of thousands. In recent years, the country has repeatedly discussed cases when alert systems failed to work on time or decisions were made too late. In 2023, a similar situation occurred in Murcia, where delays in evacuation affected dozens of families. In Catalonia in 2022, after heavy rains, questions were also raised about the performance of rescue services. These events underscore how crucial it is for regional administrations not only to have modern technology but also to respond quickly to threats.
