Carlos Mazón rejects claims that the late Es-Alert warning caused deaths during the October 2024 floods. His legal team argues he had no direct responsibility. The case has reignited political tensions in Valencia.
The legal battle over responsibility for the deadly October 2024 floods in Valencia has intensified, as former Generalitat president Carlos Mazón firmly denies any connection between the delayed Es-Alert warning and the high number of fatalities. In a detailed submission to the court investigating the disaster, Mazón’s legal team insists he neither drafted nor authorized the emergency message sent to residents on 29 October, when rivers and ravines overflowed, resulting in 231 deaths.
The 66-page document, accessed by EFE, outlines Mazón’s defense, emphasizing that he was not the official responsible for preventive measures or for the content of the Es-Alert notification. His lawyers argue that attributing blame to Mazón for omission is unfounded, and they request the judge to specify whether any concrete actions or evidence remain that could directly implicate him beyond the scenarios already examined in the case file.
Additionally, the defense has asked the court to clarify if there are any ongoing or potential lines of investigation regarding Mazón’s possible criminal liability by action, demanding enough factual detail to allow for an effective defense and the proposal of exculpatory evidence. This legal maneuver comes as the investigation continues to scrutinize the management of the emergency response during one of the deadliest natural disasters in recent Spanish history.
The controversy has reignited political debate in the region. Diana Morant, secretary general of the PSPV, criticized Mazón’s stance on social media, stating that nearly two years after the tragedy, those responsible still refuse to acknowledge the consequences of their delayed response. Morant argued that a timely alert could have changed the fate of the 231 victims, and accused Mazón of avoiding accountability.
This case echoes previous disputes in Valencia over the handling of emergencies and public safety. For example, the city’s response to the Devesa de El Saler wildfire also sparked debate about the adequacy of preventive measures and official communication, as discussed in coverage of the Valencia mayor’s defense after the El Saler fire. Both incidents have highlighted the challenges faced by local authorities in crisis management and the political fallout that can follow major disasters.
In Spain, the Es-Alert system is designed to provide rapid warnings to the public in the event of imminent danger, such as severe weather or natural disasters. The effectiveness of such alerts depends on timely decision-making and clear lines of responsibility among regional and national authorities. The ongoing court proceedings in Valencia are expected to clarify the roles and obligations of officials during emergencies, with potential implications for future crisis protocols across the country. The outcome may also influence public trust in emergency systems and the accountability of political leaders in times of crisis.
