[REVISION HISTORY]

Valencia DANA flood judicial investigation

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2026-10-13 16:26 UTC → 2026-10-14 07:51 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Judicial proceedings in Catarroja regarding the management of the October 2024 DANA weather phenomenon in Valencia have resumed. The investigation is evaluating potential increases to the official death toll, with authorities previously considering whether to raise the count from 232 to 240 based on pending forensic determinations. During the inquiry, the magistrate rejected defense requests to compel the disclosure of personal communications from the Government Delegate in the Valencian Community. The court has requested a six-month extension to continue gathering testimonies from regional officials and forest firefighters. The official death toll has since been updated to 233 following a judicial ruling that recognized a woman from Catarroja as a victim. The magistrate established a ‘relación de causalidad’ (causal relationship) between a fall caused by water rushing into her home during the flood and her subsequent death from an intracranial hemorrhage at Hospital La Fe. Testimonies from the investigation have highlighted failures in emergency communication; the mayor of Pedralba testified that the Es-Alert system failed to reach residents, necessitating door-to-door warnings. Additionally, legal challenges regarding worker safety have emerged, as the family of Luis Ángel Sáiz, who died on the A-3 highway, seeks to reopen a case against his employer following findings of negligence regarding weather alerts. Victim associations continue to hold demonstrations, including in Alicante, calling for the removal of the immunity of the President of the Generalitat Valenciana, Carlos Mazón. Lead investigator Judge Nuria Ruiz Tobarra has reported ‘clear indications’ that several deaths, particularly in the La Torre neighborhood, could have been avoided due to negligence in emergency management and failures in issuing warnings. The inquiry is examining the actions of former Interior Minister Salomé Pradas and her deputy, Emilio Argüeso, regarding their adherence to civil protection regulations. Political tensions have recently escalated within the Valencia Provincial Council.

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