The Secretary of Organization of the PSPV-PSOE , Vicent Mascarell , has insisted that the Consell had “real” information about the situation in the Poyo ravine on October 29, the day that the DANA ravaged the province of Valencia , through calls made to 112 .
Critical Developments During Valencia’s DANA Event
Speaking to the media this Saturday, Mascarell expressed his concerns during a Provincial Committee meeting held in Almenara . He specifically addressed the Civil Guard’s report sent to the Judge regarding the DANA, underscoring that it provides a timeline of events leading up to the disaster. It also raises essential questions about the actions undertaken by the Hydrographic Confederation of the Júcar ( CHJ ), highlighting a significant lack of notifications regarding the surpassing of mandatory thresholds.
The report noted the “exponential ascent” of alarm calls beginning from 4:15 p.m. when the initial threshold 1 warning was issued. The absence of notifications raises concerns, particularly in light of what Mascarell describes as a gross negligence on the part of officials. He stated, “The document clearly concludes that they had the information; calls to emergencies were made from the first hour of the morning.” The emphasis on these calls supports claims of negligence by the Consell.
Government Accountability Under Scrutiny
Mascarell didn’t hold back from criticizing President Carlos Mazón and the Generalitat for their handling of the crisis at that moment. “While people drowned, Mr. Mazón was in the ventorro ,” he said, implying that Mazón was enjoying leisure time while the emergency unfolded. This stark contrast between leisure and distress paints a troubling picture of government accountability during a disaster.
Mascarell continued, “While the first calls for help were being made in Chiva , Mr. Mazón was enjoying a vermouth ; by the time emergency requests were coming from Cheste , he was in the dessert ,” implying a continuous lack of attention. These statements reflect a growing outrage over the apparent disconnect between leaders and the life-threatening situations that were occurring in real-time.
The Role of Emergency Services
The essence of Mascarell’s argument centers around the emergency services . “The obvious thing is that the calls made to 112 , which are reflected in the investigation , demonstrate that those responsible for the Generalitat had real-time information.” His comments serve to reinforce the notion that proper governance hinges on response capabilities and active engagement during crises.
Furthermore, Mascarell elaborates on the responsibility of the Generalitat . “The judge in Catarroja is being very clear about the lines of responsibility,” he stated, leading to the conclusion that if the alerts were not heeded properly, accountability should lie squarely with those in power at the time.
Political Consequences and Public Trust
Mascarell also criticized what he refers to as a ” double measure of measuring ” by PP party members. He put forth a case where Noelia Núñez was accused of lacking a career, while questions about Mazón’s presence and decision-making were seemingly overlooked. These disparities in accountability raise unsettling questions about political integrity and the broader implications for public trust in leadership.
In all realms of governance, the dynamics of political favorability often come into play, but during times of crisis, it becomes crucial for leaders to display unwavering dedication to their responsibilities. With serious allegations emerging from the DANA report and the evident discrepancies in actions taken, how the leadership responds will be pivotal to maintaining public confidence.
With the situation unfolding and the investigation progressing, it’s crucial to understand the impact of leadership decisions in times of tragedy. As Valencia and its residents look towards potential measures for improvement, scrutinizing the actions of those in charge is essential for ensuring that future events are managed appropriately, safeguarding public trust and governmental efficacy.