Controversy Deepens Over President Mazón's Presence at CECOPI During Flood Alert

In the ongoing investigation into the handling of the devastating floods in the Valencia region, a new twist has emerged regarding the presence of President Carlos Mazón at the Centre of Coordinating Operational Integration (CECOPI) on the day of the disaster.

On October 29, 2024, a severe flood, known as a "gota fría" (cold drop), hit the region, resulting in significant damage and loss of life. The critical question has been whether President Mazón was present at CECOPI when the alert was issued at 20:11.

Contradictory Accounts

Initially, President Mazón had stated that he arrived at CECOPI around 19:30, citing heavy traffic as the reason for his delay. However, recent revelations have contradicted this account. The Generalitat Valenciana, in response to a judge's inquiry, has confirmed that Mazón did not arrive at CECOPI until 20:28, as evidenced by the security cameras' footage[3].

This new information is based on an official report signed by the coordinator of Prevention and Emergencies of the Generalitat, which includes captures from the CCTV system at CECOPI. The report details the arrival times of various authorities, including the president of the Diputació de València, Vicent Mompó, and the deputy for Environment, Risk Prevention, and Rural Development, Avelino Mascarell, who were present before the alert was sent[3].

Judicial Investigation

The judge from the Court of First Instance and Instruction 3 in Catarroja has been investigating the management of the flood response and has specifically asked the Generalitat to confirm whether any other authorities were present at CECOPI before the alert was issued. The Generalitat's response, backed by security camera footage, indicates that only Mompó and Mascarell were present during the relevant time frame[1][2].

Implications and Reactions

This revelation could have significant implications for President Mazón, both politically and judicially. While it may absolve him of direct responsibility for the delayed alert, it raises further questions about his leadership and presence during critical moments of the crisis. The judge's investigation aims to clarify the timeline of events and assign responsibilities for the handling of the disaster[2].

In a broader context, the controversy surrounding Mazón's actions on the day of the flood has been a focal point of political tension in the region. The opposition has been critical of Mazón's handling of the crisis, and this latest development is likely to fuel further debate and scrutiny.

As the investigation continues, the expat community in Spain, along with the local population, remains keenly interested in the outcome, seeking transparency and accountability in the management of such critical events.