The legal battle over responsibility for the deadly October 2024 floods in Valencia has intensified, with former Generalitat president Carlos Mazón denying any connection between the delayed Es-Alert warning and the high number of fatalities. In a detailed submission to the court investigating the disaster, his legal team says 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 and says he was not responsible for preventive measures or the content of the Es-Alert notification. His lawyers argue that attributing blame to Mazón for omission is unfounded. They ask 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.
The defense has also asked the court to clarify whether there are any ongoing or potential lines of investigation into Mazón’s possible criminal liability by action. It is seeking enough factual detail to mount an effective defense and submit exculpatory evidence. 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, saying 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.
The case echoes previous disputes in Valencia over emergency management and public safety. The city’s response to the Devesa de El Saler wildfire, for example, 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 local authorities face in managing crises and the political fallout that can follow major disasters.
In Spain, the Es-Alert system is designed to provide rapid public warnings when danger is imminent, such as during severe weather or natural disasters. Its effectiveness depends on timely decisions and clear lines of responsibility among regional and national authorities. The ongoing court proceedings in Valencia are expected to clarify officials’ roles and obligations during emergencies, with potential implications for future crisis protocols across the country. The outcome may also influence public trust in emergency systems and political leaders’ accountability during crises.
