Victoria Roselló, head of meteorology at the Valencian channel À Punt, claims that warnings about the devastating DANA (Depression at Altitude) were issued well in advance, contradicting the PP's narrative after the tragedy.
In a significant parliamentary session on the management of the recent DANA catastrophe, Victoria Roselló, the chief meteorologist at the Valencian public broadcaster À Punt, testified that warnings regarding the severe weather had been communicated to the public well before the disaster struck. On October 29, 2024, during a midday news broadcast, she emphasized to viewers that the community was under a 'red alert' and advised them to remain indoors due to the impending storm's severity. This proactive communication aimed to prepare citizens for what she described as a 'historic storm', raising concerns about the effectiveness of the emergency protocols in place.
Roselló's statements refute claims made by the Popular Party (PP), which suggested that the severity of the situation was not adequately communicated and that the government had failed to take necessary precautions. During her testimony, she pointed out the tragic loss of life, stating, 'It is unacceptable for 230 people to have died,' urging for a critical review of how emergency management was handled. Her comments underscore the urgent need to analyze the failings in the response to the DANA, sparking a broader conversation about disaster preparedness and government accountability in managing such extreme weather events.
The implications of Roselló's testimony extend beyond the immediate context of the DANA disaster, highlighting systemic issues in how weather alerts and governmental responses to crises are managed in Spain. The discourse now turns to enhancing communication strategies and reinforcing emergency protocols to ensure that such tragedies are avoided in the future, fostering a collective responsibility among authorities to prioritize citizen safety in adverse weather conditions.
