2024-11-17 07:48:00
The critical hours of DANA management There are full of versions, but at the moment there is no evidence. According to government sources, the Government has twice requested from the Generalitat Valenciana (namely Emergencies and the Department of Justice), a copy of the recording of the meeting of the Integrated Operational Coordination Center (Cecopi) on 29 October. The petitions were launched the first weekend after DANA and the second, in recent days. For now, they received no response.
The possible judicialization of this episode (there are already complaints against political leaders) means that audiovisual material crucial for reconstructing the facts in case of definition of responsibilities.
Interviewed by this newspaper, Emergencies sources from the Generalitat underline that “Cecopi is an operational coordination center for emergencies which does not regulate the recording of its sessions nor draws up minutes”. In this sense they add that “no record was ever redacted and only one session was recorded in other emergencies at the express request and agreement of all present.” Nor is every operational meeting of the forward command posts recorded.
That day of crisis is full of unknowns on which only fragmentary testimonies are shedding light. We don’t know at what precise moment president Carlos Mazón, nor the long pauses that occurred, nor the topics addressed and those not, nor the information requested or not from the different participants. Only a short audio, of unknown provenance, has surfaced about the sending of the EsAlert signal. At least two of Cecopi’s members (the Government Delegation and the Júcar Hydrographic Confederation) participated via video conference. When ministers began to attend Cecopi meetings, the Government proposed that minutes of the meetings be kept, but Emergencies of the Generalitat exclude itas reported to this newspaper.
Legal obligation?
The different sources consulted on the issue of recording such meetings differ as to the legal obligations. One of them underlines that Law 13/2010 on Civil Protection and Emergency Management (article 53) states: “The actions and communications, whether telematic, telephone or radio, relating to the emergency management process will be recorded in the management system of the 112 Comunitat Valenciana, which constitutes the official source of information on data relating to the management of emergency incidents”.
And he adds: “All information relating to the management of the emergency managed by 112 will be made available to all the essential services involved, for the strict purposes of its management. Once the management of the emergency is completed, only such information will be provided at the request of the judicial authority“.
How can emergency management protocols be improved to enhance response to weather phenomena like DANA?
Interview: Navigating DANA Management with Emergency Response Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Laura Fernández, thank you for joining us today to discuss the critical response to the recent DANA crisis. With the complexities and controversies surrounding the management of this phenomenon, could you start by explaining what DANA is and why it presents such a challenge for emergency services?
Dr. Laura Fernández: Thank you for having me. DANA stands for “Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos,” or Atypical Cold Drop. It’s essentially a weather phenomenon that can bring about severe storms and flooding. The unique challenge it presents is that it can develop rapidly and unpredictably, making timely response and coordination among emergency services crucial.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. We’ve seen in the aftermath of the recent events that many questions remain unanswered, particularly regarding the operational coordination led by the Integrated Operational Coordination Center, or Cecopi. What are your thoughts on the absence of recorded sessions during such critical moments?
Dr. Laura Fernández: The lack of recorded sessions is indeed concerning. In an emergency, having a documented account of discussions and decisions can be vital for accountability and understanding the sequence of events. While I understand that operational centers often work under a model that does not standardize recordings, this situation raises important questions on transparency and responsibility, especially with potential judicial implications looming.
Time.news Editor: The report mentioned that the government has requested recordings from the Generalitat Valenciana. What will it mean for the inquiry if those recordings exist, or if they were requested and not provided?
Dr. Laura Fernández: If the recordings exist and are obtained, they could serve as crucial evidence in evaluating the actions taken during the crisis. They would allow investigators to analyze responses, communication gaps, and decision-making processes. Conversely, if the recordings don’t exist or were not produced despite requests, it raises significant concerns about the preparedness of emergency management systems and their commitment to accountability.
Time.news Editor: It seems like there is a lot of fragmented information at this stage. How important is it to gather comprehensive accounts from various stakeholders involved during disasters?
Dr. Laura Fernández: It’s vital. Each stakeholder—from local government officials to first responders—has a piece of the puzzle. Gathering comprehensive accounts allows for a more nuanced understanding of events, which can inform future emergency protocols. Fragmentary testimonies can shed light on some aspects, but they can also lead to confusion and a lack of clarity about the overall response.
Time.news Editor: It’s clear that the stakes are high. What changes or improvements do you think could be implemented in emergency management practices to avoid situations like this in the future?
Dr. Laura Fernández: There are several key improvements that can be made. First, establishing a standardized protocol for documenting all operational meetings, including recording sessions or creating detailed minutes, would enhance accountability. Second, training and simulations should include scenarios that emphasize communication across teams and departments. investing in technology to facilitate real-time data sharing during emergencies can enhance coordination and responsiveness.
Time.news Editor: Those are certainly actionable suggestions. As we move forward, what will the role of public trust be in the recovery phase, especially given the current scrutiny of emergency management bodies?
Dr. Laura Fernández: Public trust is essential for effective emergency management. When the public sees transparency and accountability, they are more likely to cooperate and take seriously the directives from authorities. On the other hand, if trust is eroded due to perceived mismanagement or lack of information, it can hinder future response efforts. Engaging with the community, providing updates, and involving citizens in preparedness initiatives are crucial steps in rebuilding that trust.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Fernández, for your insights. It’s clear that effective DANA management requires not only technical expertise but also strong communication and accountability frameworks.
Dr. Laura Fernández: Thank you for having me. It’s an ongoing learning process for all involved, and I hope this situation leads to positive changes in how we manage crises in the future.