THE emergency management during an episode of cold drop or DANA can be decisive in saving lives and minimizing damage. The recent DANA in the Valencian Community has once again highlighted this the actions of the authorities compared to 2019when the government of Ximo Puig activated preventive measures that helped mitigate the effects of this disaster.
In both cases, the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) issued notice about the heavy rains that were approaching. However, the response was different. In 2019, Gabriela Bravo, then Minister of the Interior, hosted a press conference aimed at alert citizens about possible dangers.
In 2023, the administration of Carlos Mazón had the technology of ES-ALERT system, which sends alerts to cell phones when risk is imminent. However, this the alert sounded when the emergency was already presentwhich sparked criticism over the timing of its activation.
Emergency meetings and activation of CECOPI
During DANA 2019, Ximo Puig summoned his advisors before the rains arrive, establishing a state of preparedness. He also collected as a preventive measure to the CECOPI Emergency Committeea protocol that is usually only activated when the emergency materializes, but in this case it was brought forward.
On the other hand, Mazon summoned in CECOPI the same daythe afternoon when the tragedy broke out, which was seen as a late reaction to the warnings already received.
Suspension of classes and reinforcement of 112
Anticipation was a key aspect in 2019: before DANA manifested itself, the Generalitat Valenciana suspended classes throughout the affected region, in coordination with town halls. However, under Mazón’s leadership, suspensions were limited to some centers, and his administration criticized the decision of the University of Valencia to stop their activities.
The strengthening of emergency services has also been different. In 2019, Reinforced Puig 112 with an increase in staff numbers of 12%, anticipating the high demand for calls. This year, the 112 system collapsewhich Mazón attributed to a line problem, although he denied that the system completely “fell”.
The two administrations faced two different challenges, but The results were remarkably different.. In 2019, prior preparation and rapid response helped reduce the impact of the emergency, although unfortunately three deaths were recorded. On this occasion, the lack of foresight and the late activation of several emergency protocols sparked criticism and, unfortunately, the toll was much higher, exceeding 250 victims.
