Spanish Court Probes Former Valencia Emergency Chief Over Deadly Floods
A Spanish judge has launched a formal investigation into Salome Pradas, the former head of Valencia’s emergency services, over her role in the catastrophic floods that devastated the region last October, leaving at least 225 people dead. The probe, announced by a regional court in Catarroja, seeks to determine whether negligence and delayed response contributed to avoidable deaths.
Judge Nuria Ruiz, leading the inquiry, criticized the emergency response, stating that “the problem doesn’t lie in the absence of information… but in the fact that, despite having access to critical data, authorities either ignored it, failed to grasp its severity, or simply did not act in time.”
Delayed Warnings and Accountability
The deadly floods, which struck on October 29, swept away people in cars, flooded underground parking garages, and submerged entire neighborhoods on the outskirts of Valencia. Among the missing persons, three individuals remain unaccounted for. However, the most damning evidence against the authorities is the delayed emergency alert.
Residents only received an official warning from Valencia’s regional government after 8 p.m., when the floodwaters had already engulfed buildings and lives were being lost. More than half of the bodies recovered were found in enclosed spaces, including homes and garages, indicating that timely evacuation could have saved lives.
Judge Ruiz pointed to gross mismanagement, noting that the emergency coordination meeting, which only commenced at 5 p.m., should have been held in the morning when meteorological warnings were already in place. The judge emphasized that such a delay is indefensible in the face of clear weather alerts.
Political Evasion and Legal Obstacles
Despite widespread public outrage, the judicial probe will not extend to Valencia’s regional leader, Carlos Mazon, unless he voluntarily testifies. Under Spanish law, Mazon enjoys special legal protections and can only be investigated by a higher court, shielding him from immediate scrutiny despite mounting criticism of his handling of the disaster.
This legal roadblock has fueled further discontent, as many residents argue that political figures who failed in their duties should not escape accountability. The local government has been under intense pressure, with critics accusing Mazon of prioritizing political survival over genuine responsibility for the failed emergency response.
Scale of Destruction and Government’s Position
The scale of destruction is staggering. Government data estimates that nearly 60,000 homes, 105,000 vehicles, and over 10,000 businesses were either damaged or completely destroyed. However, the judge clarified that property damages are not part of the criminal investigation, as they were deemed unavoidable.
While the regional government has defended its actions, arguing that it followed established emergency protocols, affected families and advocacy groups insist that negligence played a key role in exacerbating the crisis. Calls for policy reforms and improved disaster preparedness are growing, with many demanding that those responsible face real consequences.
Lingering Questions and Future Implications
The investigation into Pradas is likely to set a precedent for how Spain handles accountability in climate-related disasters. If found negligent, she could face serious legal repercussions, including charges of homicide and bodily harm due to negligence. However, unless higher-ranking officials are also held accountable, critics warn that justice will remain incomplete.
With climate change intensifying extreme weather events, the Valencia disaster has exposed deep flaws in Spain’s emergency response system. The ongoing legal battle will test whether the judicial system can truly hold those in power accountable—or if political figures will continue to evade responsibility at the cost of public safety.
Reference
Spanish Court Probes Former Valencia Emergency Chief Over Deadly Floods