Valencian President Carlos Mazón is facing increasing scrutiny over his administration's response to a recent devastating thunderstorm, known as the "Dana." A judicial investigation into the handling of the tragedy has forced Mazón to disclose previously unreleased information, revealing potential contradictions in his account of events.
Timing of the Alert
A key point of contention revolves around the timing of the emergency alert. Mazón claims he arrived at the CECOPI (Emergency Coordination Center) at 20:28 hours after the alert was issued, insisting the alert was sent after 19:30. He vehemently denies altering his version of events, stating, "It is after 19.30. It's a factual event." However, reports indicate that a significant number of fatalities, particularly among elderly residents trapped in garages and ground floors, occurred before the Generalitat's alert could reach them. The magistrate leading the investigation has questioned the "late and erroneous warning."
Adding to the pressure, Mazón accuses the Government of "criminalizing him" and refutes claims that he was required to authorize the 20:11 alert. The situation highlights the critical importance of timely and effective emergency communication during natural disasters. The investigation aims to determine if earlier warnings could have saved lives.
Political Fallout
The controversy surrounding the storm response has broader political implications. The article highlights the relationship between Mazón and the employers' association, with which Feijóo maintains a direct connection. Allegations have surfaced that the Generalitat is conducting an "operation" against the president of the employers, raising questions about potential political maneuvering.
Meanwhile, on a national level, Sánchez and Feijóo are engaged in a blame game, criticizing each other’s alliances for lacking the quality needed to address future challenges. The political climate is further complicated by the farewell of veteran Basque deputy Aitor Esteban from Congress, marked by a rousing ovation from major political groups including PSOE, Sumar, ERC and CC.
Elderly Most Affected
Tragically, the summary of the Dana event states that most deaths occurred before the alert was sent. Many victims were elderly, leading to questions about the effectiveness of the warning system. One chilling detail revealed is that some victims reportedly said "I'm going to die drowning," suggesting they were caught unaware by the rapid flooding.
The judicial investigation will continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the Dana tragedy, focusing on the timing of the alert, the effectiveness of the emergency response, and the potential for political influence. The outcome could have significant ramifications for Mazón's administration and the broader political landscape.
"The investigation aims to determine if earlier warnings could have saved lives."