Investigative Developments in DANA Disaster Management Case in Valencia
The Instruction Court 3 of Catarroja, Valencia, is moving forward with its investigation into the management of the devastating DANA (cold drop) event that caused significant loss of life and widespread damage in the region. On April 11, the court will summon former Councillor of Justice and Interior, Salomé Pradas, along with former Secretary of Emergencies, Emilio Argüeso, as investigated parties, while Pilar Bernabé, the Government Delegate in the Valencian Community, and Vicent Mompó, President of the Valencia Provincial Council, are expected to testify as witnesses on April 14. Additionally, two technical experts are set to be questioned on April 29.
A statement from the Valencian High Court of Justice reveals that the investigating judge has denied a request from Acció Cultural del País Valencià, which sought access to information regarding the official vehicles used by Carlos Mazón, the President of the Generalitat, and his security detail during the critical hours of the disaster. The magistrate justified this decision based on Mazón's status as an attorney, indicating that any further investigative actions concerning his conduct in this matter would not be feasible.
The same request was also denied regarding the aforementioned former Councillor Pradas and Argüeso, as there was no evidence suggesting that they failed to attend the crucial meeting of the Integrated Operational Coordination Center (Cecopi) or that their attendances were delayed. Additionally, the investigating judge ruled that the director and deputy director of Emergencies would not be subjected to the same investigative scrutiny, as they are not currently under investigation.
Regarding audio recordings from the Cecopi meeting held on October 29, the judge has noted that the parties involved should indicate whether they possess such materials and if they are willing to submit them to the investigation once questioned.
Judge Nuria Ruiz Tobarra, who heads Instruction 3 of Catarroja, is looking into allegations of homicide and negligence concerning the disaster, which resulted in 225 deaths and left numerous others missing or impacted. In her documentation, Judge Tobarra has emphasized that the tragic events were not a result of an unforeseen meteorological phenomenon; rather, she asserts that the Cecopi convened late and made critical decisions much too slowly. She holds the regional authorities accountable for failing to adequately alert the public, implement civil protection measures, and mitigate the disastrous consequences of the overwhelming rains that flooded rivers and overwhelmed drainage systems.
The judge has particularly highlighted the late issuance of a mass alert message sent to the community at 8:11 PM, which advised people to avoid traveling when many individuals had already perished in basements and garages. This alert has been criticized as both late and erroneous in its content.
Both the summons and the order issued on Monday are not final and may be appealed against, indicating that the judicial inquiry into the management of this calamity continues to develop.
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