The former Justice and Emergency Conssellera Salomé Pradas absolved herself of responsibility in the leadership of the Dana catastrophe on October 29th and assured the investigating judge that she had no involvement and no experience or knowledge in emergencies, as reported by the European press.
Pradas appeared on Friday at Investigation Court Number 3 in Catarroja (Valencia) to testify regarding the leadership during Dana. She only wanted to answer questions posed by her lawyer, and her testimony began at 10:15 am, lasting for nearly three hours, visibly pleased, according to sources consulted by Europe Press.
The former councilor, appointed in July 2024, started her testimony by explaining to those who formed the Integrated Operational Coordination Center (CECOPI) about the functions and plans that were in place, then stating that she had no experience or knowledge in emergency situations. She also asserted that she did not handle anything. «It was the first time I faced such an emergency,» she added.
Furthermore, the ex-Conssellera, who provided the judge with a list of calls made and received on the day of the flooding, explained that many technicians needed to coordinate to address this type of emergency, including regional and central government officials, and confirmed that the Advanced Order Manager (PMA) was José Miguel Yarn.
Within the PMA, the former councilor reported that the technical operation was directed from there and explained that it is usually established on-site. From this point, she added technical instructions to all components.
Regarding the President of Valencia, Carlos Mazón, Pradas defended his performance and stated that the population alert message (ESSER) sent at 8:11 am was not delayed by him.
The former councilor mentioned that the delay in sending the alert message, when there were already towns trapped and flooded, was not due to Mazón, but because of the indications given by the technicians, as reported by Europe Press. «At any moment,» she said.
Pradas, appointed in July 2024, testified that she was at the Integrated Operational Coordination Center (CECOPI) during the emergency and did not wait for Mazón, she insisted.
«Institutional»
Pradas, a law graduate, emphasized that her position was «institutional» and confirmed that there were other technicians with their appropriate functions. She also explained the role each administration had in the emergency. Regarding the state, she mentioned having responsibilities for citizen safety and the authority to declare a level 3 emergency.
She also explained that the regional government acts as an intermediary between emergency services and the integrated agencies, as well as between meteorological agencies, water management authorities, and municipalities, including fire and civil protection services.
Concerning municipalities, she noted that they have their emergency plans and flood risk assessments; she mentioned that the water management authority had to monitor the water channels in their jurisdiction and alert of any alarming flow rates.
Regarding the Poyo Barranco area, she stated that they did not anticipate the overflow at any point. She emphasized that between approximately 1 pm and 4 pm, there was a decrease in the flow rate in the channels managed by the water authority, and it was not until 6:43 pm that they were informed of a flow rate of 1,600. She also mentioned that after 9 pm, the Poyo River was not discussed at CECOPI.
Regarding the Ribera area, they received rainfall and information, and the former councilor emphasized that the mayor of Utiel, not the water management authority, alerted them to the overflow. She highlighted that they followed the recommendations provided by the technicians and adhered to the emergency plan.
Amidst shouts, banners, and protests
The ex-Conssellera arrived at the court at 9:17 am amidst shouts of «murderers» and «Mazón resign.» Upon arrival, protesters sounded a siren, and victims and family members embraced, shedding tears while questioning the politicians, «where were you at that moment.»
Pradas arrived at the courthouse with high media expectations and, when asked if she would speak to the media, she responded that she would do so on her way out, along with her lawyer, Eduardo de Urbano.
The gathering of flood victims, families, and associations began to assemble at the courthouse around 8:30 am. They carried banners with messages such as «murderers,» «Justice for my husband and children,» «Our relatives died due to your incompetence,» or «Mazón must be held accountable. Dana’s victims’ association.»
Additionally, some protesters wore shirts with the writing «229 deaths, 0 accountable. Valencia does not forget» and a large figure of Mazón was on display, depicting him with a smiling face and red hands symbolizing bloodstains.