Spanish Judge Probes Valencia Emergency Chief After Catastrophic Floods

A Spanish judge is investigating Salome Pradas, former head of Valencia's emergency services, for possible negligence related to a delayed alert about a deadly flood. The disaster, among Spain's worst, left at least 225 dead. Residents criticized late warnings. The probe focuses on possible criminal negligence.

A Spanish judge has initiated an investigation into Salome Pradas, the former leader of Valencia's emergency services, for potential negligence in the delayed alert issued during devastating floods that resulted in at least 225 fatalities.

The catastrophic event on October 29 saw flash floods sweep across Valencia's outskirts, causing mass destruction and submerging cars and homes. The local populace expressed disappointment at the authorities' failure to provide timely warnings, as alerts arrived too late.

Judge Nuria Ruiz is probing the case for evidence of negligence that may have exacerbated the disaster's death toll. She criticized the timing of the emergency coordination meeting and rejected the call for regional leader Carlos Mazon's testimony unless he volunteers.