This morning, November 15, Carlos Mazón, President of the Valencian Community, appeared before the regional parliament to explain his government’s handling of the devastating DANA (cold drop) storm that struck Valencia on October 29. The storm tragically claimed the lives of more than 200 people, sparking widespread outrage and protests across the region.

Mass Protests Outside the Valencian Parliament

Around 300 people gathered outside the Valencian Parliament, demanding Mazón’s resignation. Shouting chants like ‘liar’ ‘murderer,’ and ‘resign,’ protesters voiced their anger over what they see as a failure to act effectively in the face of the disaster. The protest was fueled by the perception that the regional government was slow to respond to the storm’s severity.

🔴 DIRECTO #dana | Cerca de 300 personas protestan ya contra Carlos Mazón a las puertas de las Cortes Valencianas: “El president a Picassent”, gritan, además de “mentiroso”, “asesino”, “dimisión” y “este Gobierno no nos representa” https://t.co/f8s4KvPOqI pic.twitter.com/sFtWhsiDMv

— EL PAÍS (@el_pais) November 15, 2024

Mazón Proposes Investigation Commission

In his statement, Mazón addressed the criticism but announced that the Popular Party (PP), which holds the majority in the regional parliament, would propose an investigation into how the disaster was handled. He stressed the importance of a transparent review to examine the responses from both local and central government agencies.

Carlos Mazón: Acknowledging Failures but Shifting Blame

While Mazón admitted that there were mistakes in the response to the storm, he largely pointed to the central government and its agencies for failing to provide sufficient information in a timely manner. He highlighted that the Confederation of the Júcar River Basin (CHJ), which is under the Ministry for Ecological Transition, failed to warn authorities about the risks in key flood zones like the Barranco del Poyo. Mazón defended the regional emergency services, claiming they acted as soon as they received information.

The Missed Opportunities: Mazón’s Delayed Response

One of the most contentious points was Carlos Mazón’s own actions during the DANA storm. Reports revealed that he had spent several hours over lunch with a journalist on the afternoon of the disaster, while emergency alerts were being issued about the worsening conditions. It wasn’t until later in the evening, after the crisis had intensified, that he attended an emergency meeting at the Coordination Center (CECOPI). Mazón later explained that he was following the available information at the time, which suggested the situation would improve, but he did not address why he didn’t act sooner.

Mazón Blames the CHJ for Information Gaps

Mazón reiterated that the lack of coordination from the CHJ contributed to the disaster’s scale, accusing the agency of an ‘information blackout’ for several crucial hours. He argued that emergency services did not receive vital updates in time to prevent the catastrophe in areas like Horta Sud, where the Barranco del Poyo overflowed. While he stood by the decision to send out mobile alerts later in the evening, many residents in affected areas reported already being overwhelmed by floodwaters by then.

Calls for Accountability Continue

Despite Carlos Mazón’s defense of his and the regional government’s reaction to the DANA, many feel that the response to the disaster was mishandled. With protests continuing and calls for his resignation growing louder, the Valencian president’s future remains uncertain. The proposed investigation commission may offer answers, but the emotional toll of the tragedy is likely to linger long after the political fallout is settled.

Finger-Pointing and Frustration: The Public Demands Answers

As the situation continues to unfold, the finger-pointing between local and national authorities intensifies, leaving the people of Valencia increasingly frustrated. With no clear accountability in sight, the public is demanding that someone take responsibility for the handling of this disaster. The calls for transparency and answers are louder than ever, but it remains to be seen who will step up. What do you think? Should those in charge be held accountable?

Main image: X/@generalitat