A disaster announcing
The devastating impact of the Dana that struck the Valencian Country in October 2024 has highlighted a worrying reality: the inefficiency of our institutions. With 227 deaths and a missing, this episode goes beyond the images of destruction; It reveals a structural bankruptcy in public management that has left society in a state of shock.
Political responsibilities in debate
The President of the Generalitat, Carlos Mazón, has been found in the center of the political storm. At a critical moment, while torrential rains wreaked havoc, their absence in the coordination of emergencies has been severely criticized. While the tragedy was triggered, Mazón chose to spend time with a meeting with a journalist, leaving the institutional response in the background.
The failure of civil protection
The Minister of Justice and Interior, Salomé Pradas, who should have been in charge of the emergency response, has also been severely critical. Their lack of preparation and subsequent dismissal reflect a worrying lack of competition in key positions. Pradas admitted not to be qualified for his role, a statement that shows the precariousness of the system.
The Central Government: an ambivalent attitude
The role of the central government has been no less criticized. Instead of collaborating, he has sought to capitalize on the tragedy politically, diverting attention to the Generalitat. In addition, for years, he has paralyzed infrastructure projects that could have mitigated the effects of the storm. Thus his negligence became a part of the problem.
Communication and coordination errors
The lack of accurate and timely information was another key factor in the disaster. The Integrated Operational Coordination Center (CECOPI) did not receive adequate alerts on the overflow of ravines, leaving the authorities in ignorance about the seriousness of the situation. This disconnect between the agencies caused an ineffective response, with devastating consequences.
The need for institutional regeneration
Dana has not only been a natural catastrophe, but also an institutional failure that requires a deep reflection on the quality of government and public management. Lack of preparation and incompetence cannot be accepted as a rule. If a system regeneration is not performed, future emergencies could repeat the cycle of devastation and pain.
Toward a more resilient future
The path to recovery is due to responsibility and transparency. It is vital that institutions are committed to improving their preparation for crises and managing emergencies with professionalism and rigor. Only in this way can we make sure that the tragedy lived does not become a recurring reality.
