Journalist Maribel Vilaplana testified before the Spanish Congress’s investigation commission regarding the management of the DANA storm that occurred on Oct. 29, 2024 [2].
The testimony is part of a broader effort to determine why the disaster resulted in 230 deaths [1]. The investigation focuses on the response of government officials and the timing of warnings as the storm devastated almost 100 municipalities in the province of Valencia [3].
Vilaplana's appearance follows previous high-profile testimonies, including that of Carlos Mazón, the president of the Generalitat Valenciana. Mazón faced a three-and-a-half-hour interrogation in Congress regarding his administration's role in the crisis [4].
During his testimony, Mazón defended his government's actions. "Nadie más ha asumido responsabilidades," Mazón said, meaning no one else has assumed responsibility [5].
The commission is reviewing the timeline of events, and the communication between regional and national authorities. The DANA event caused multimillion-dollar damages across the region, leading to intense political scrutiny over whether the death toll could have been reduced with better coordination [1].
Vilaplana's role in the proceedings involves providing context on the interactions between officials and the press during the crisis. This includes mentions of dinners and private meetings between the journalist and President Mazón [1].
“"Nadie más ha asumido responsabilidades"”
The investigation into the DANA disaster highlights the tension between regional autonomy in Valencia and national oversight in Madrid. By summoning journalists and high-ranking officials, the Spanish Congress is attempting to establish a factual record of negligence or systemic failure that led to 230 deaths, which may have legal implications for the administration of Carlos Mazón.
