University of Valencia's Timely Decision to Suspend Classes During the DANA Storm

In the aftermath of the devastating DANA storm that hit the Valencian region, the University of Valencia (UV) has been praised for its proactive decision to suspend classes, a move that significantly reduced the risk to students and staff.

The Decision to Suspend Classes

On October 28, 2023, the University of Valencia announced the suspension of all classes and exams due to the impending severe weather conditions forecasted by meteorological services. This decision was made after the university declared a Level 1 emergency at 2 PM, allowing students and staff to avoid attending classes without penalty. However, as the situation worsened, the university elevated the emergency level to 2 at 9 PM, resulting in the complete suspension of all academic activities across its campuses.

Rector Mavi Mestre's Stance

Rector Mavi Mestre defended the university's decision, emphasizing that it was based on publicly available information regarding the severe weather forecast. Mestre highlighted the importance of prioritizing the safety of the university community, a stance that has been supported by the judicial investigation into the handling of the DANA storm.

Judicial Investigation

The judicial investigation, led by a judge from the Instruction Court 3 in Catarroja, has praised the university's decision as a preventive measure that avoided the displacement of thousands of students and staff. The judge's report noted that the university's actions were a clear example of the possibility of taking preventive decisions in the face of impending natural disasters.

Public and Meteorological Information

The university relied on public meteorological information and alerts from various institutions, including the Spanish Meteorological Agency (Aemet) and the Confederación Hidrográfica del Júcar (CHJ), to make its decision. This information indicated the potential for historical precipitation levels and significant flooding, particularly in areas like the barranco del Poyo in Chiva.

Criticism of Delayed Alerts

While the university's decision was timely, the investigation also highlighted that public alerts issued by other authorities were often too late to be effective. The judge's report mentioned that many recommendations and alerts were issued after the worst of the flooding had already occurred, rendering them "completely useless" in preventing casualties.

Support for Affected Communities

In addition to its immediate response, the University of Valencia has continued to support the affected communities through various initiatives. These include financial aid, mental health services, and logistical support for cleaning and aid efforts in the most affected municipalities. The university has also made available its facilities and resources to help in the recovery process.

The University of Valencia's swift and informed decision to suspend classes during the DANA storm serves as a model for preventive action in the face of natural disasters, underscoring the importance of prioritizing safety and relying on credible public information.