Valencia Floods: A Warning Ignored, Lives Lost

The Warnings Ignored The scientific community has been sounding alarms for years about the increasing risks of flooding in the Mediterranean region. The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) warned the Valencian government five days before the floods, indicating an unprecedented rainstorm was imminent. Even 12 hours prior to the disaster, AEMET raised the risk level to its highest point. Unfortunately, by the time the local government issued official warnings, many residents were already facing rising waters in their homes. It was only the University of Valencia that took heed of these warnings, advising students to stay indoors—a decision that likely saved lives. Political Inaction and Denial The regional government of Valencia, led by the right-wing People’s Party, consistently dismissed scientific evidence regarding climate change and the associated risks. In September 2023, a proposal addressing the increasing risks of flooding was presented by members of Compromís, a left-wing alliance in the Valencian parliament, but was voted down. Despite ongoing discussions and urgent proposals to address these risks, the government maintained its stance of denial. This attitude is not just irresponsible; it is a betrayal of the trust placed in elected officials. A Dangerous Precedent On the day of the floods, Carlos Mazón, the president of the Valencia region, assured the public that there was nothing to worry about, suggesting that the storm would dissipate by afternoon. Such statements, now deleted from his social media, highlight a disconnect between the reality on the ground and the narratives spun by those in power. The failure to act on scientific warnings has dire consequences, not only for the immediate victims of the flooding but also for the integrity of our political system.