Feb 13 • 04:30 UTC 🇪🇸 Spain El País

Prevention Saves Lives

Severe storms hitting the Peninsula highlight the lessons learned in emergency management after past disasters.

Intense storms affecting the Peninsula for several weeks have tested the lessons learned by administrations since the disastrous response by the Generalitat Valenciana during the storm that occurred on October 29, 2024, when 229 lives were lost. A court is investigating the potential criminal responsibility for failing to timely warn the population of the danger. This disaster is directly related to the widespread adoption of mobile alert systems since then, which aim to prevent such tragedies from recurring.

The ES-Alert system, which sends emergency alerts to mobile phones, marks its third anniversary this month. It was used in the Community of Madrid in September 2023 following a storm, prompting an intense debate after the initial shock of all the region's phones ringing. However, today, its utility is widely accepted and there is no ongoing discussion regarding its effectiveness in informing the public during emergencies.

The successful execution of these alert systems highlights significant improvements in how authorities respond to and manage natural disasters. As the system gains more users and becomes an integral part of crisis management protocol, it underscores the critical importance of timely communication in preventing loss of life during extreme weather events.

📡 Similar Coverage