On October 29, 2023, the province of Valencia faced one of its worst natural disasters due to the devastating effects of the DANA, which resulted in catastrophic flooding, overwhelming emergency services, and tragically claimed the lives of 224 people, with three others still missing. A recent controversy has erupted surrounding the emergency response measures taken by the local government as it becomes increasingly clear there were significant lapses in leadership and communication during this crisis.
José Ángel Núñez, the chief of Climatology at the Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET), provided shocking insights through WhatsApp messages he exchanged with colleagues during the crisis management meeting held at the Integrated Operational Coordination Center (CECOPI) on the day of the disaster. According to these messages, which were released by El País, it became evident there was paralysis among decision-makers at the highest levels, preventing timely responses to the rapidly deteriorated situation.
Núñez expressed surprise at the fact the CECOPI meeting was not convened until late afternoon, stating, "I thought the meeting would be called from the morning. By 8:30 AM, flooding was already underway, and by midday, we had reports of people missing." Despite the urgent situation, key personnel, including President Carlos Mazón and his emergency advisor, Salomé Pradas, failed to take decisive action, leading to widespread chaos.
The WhatsApp messages from Núñez described dire conditions as the afternoon progressed. At 5:26 PM, he reported, "The Forata dam is almost overflowing," signaling the imminent danger. By 6:00 PM, he remarked, "We have been waiting for more than an hour for decisions to be made, and it seems unclear what is happening with the emergency resources.” It was at this moment when communications highlighted the desperate need for rapid decision-making to prevent disaster.
At 6:28 PM, Núñez reiterated the urgency, mentioning, "People are trapped; the Júcar River is rising dramatically, and I believe we are not aware of how grave our situation is. An order for confinement should be issued—entire Valencia province should be confined.” His calls went largely ignored, reflecting the disorganization present during the CECOPI meetings. The lack of leadership during this period has puzzled many, as other more localized governments had begun mobilizing their emergency resources much earlier.
The poignancy of the situation is underscored by reports indicating the overflowing Poyo ravine contributed to the disastrous flooding. Yet, during the CECOPI meeting, Núñez mentions there was chronic neglect concerning warnings about the Poyo, with discussions focused excessively on the Forata dam without addressing the broader potential for catastrophe. The growing frustration culminated when Núñez publicly stated, "If you convene the meeting when half the province is already flooded, decisions will always lag behind the rising water. That approach is nothing but reactionary."
The AEMET's data presented during the crisis has been described as transparent and available for judicial review, and Núñez has stated they are prepared to testify about the meteorological realities at the time. His concerns have drawn attention to potential negligence from government officials, including their failure to take his advisory warnings seriously.
Political fallout from the disaster is building momentum, with uncertainty surrounding President Mazón's leadership. Diana Morant, secretary-general of the Valencian PSOE and Minister of Science, has called for Mazón’s resignation, stating, "Mazón’s position is increasingly untenable. If he fails to act, we will initiate our moves to hold accountable those responsible for the mismanagement during the DANA." Her comments, coupled with offers of support from the political coalition Compromís for a potential motion of no confidence, reflect radical dissatisfaction with the current state of governance.
Morant recorded her discontent over the apparent lack of actions from the Popular Party’s leadership, urging national leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo to assert control over his party. "Feijóo needs to respond swiftly; the PSPV will not hesitate to escalate matters if he does not move forward." She emphasized the importance of accountability for the local leadership, indicating they are analyzing strategies for political maneuvers, including considering the feasibility of motions against Mazón.
Reactions from the public have poured through various channels, with many questioning the sufficiency of weather warnings prior to the flooding. A statement from the AEMET indicated they issued multiple alerts throughout the day, yet many feel this was insufficient based on the scale of the impending disaster.
Investigations are currently underway to illuminate the actions taken, or lack thereof, during the emergency response. A judge has initiated proceedings examining the potential "criminal negligence" surrounding the inadequate emergency responses, noting responsibility may rest on both governmental and meteorological agencies.
The people of Valencia have expressed outrage, calling for greater accountability from those affected by the extensive damage incurred during the floods. Many are left to ponder how preventable tragedies have continued to occur when forecasts and warnings seemed clear.
The Valencia DANA emergency response controversy falls as a pressing reminder—urgent actions, decision-making, and cohesive leadership are necessary to manage natural disasters effectively. The stories and investigations following the revelations of the failures may shape the narrative of governance long after the immediate needs for repair and recovery are met.