Valencia's mayor, María José Català, was questioned by parliamentary groups at a Spanish Congress investigatory commission on 24 October 2024 regarding her management of the 'cold drop' storm. This marked the first time the mayor provided explanations about her handling of the emergency and post-emergency phases.
Seventeen people died in Valencia on 29 October 2024 during the severe weather event. All victims lived in the city's peripheral districts of La Torre, Castellar-l'Oliveral, and El Forn d'Alcedo.
Mayor Faces Scrutiny
Català has previously offered limited details on her management during the emergency, particularly concerning these outlying neighbourhoods. Residents' associations from these districts have repeatedly accused her administration of a lack of foresight and of abandoning them during the crisis.
The commission's proceedings aimed to address the many questions surrounding the mayor's response to the devastating storm. Further sessions are expected to continue examining the preparedness and reaction of local authorities.
