Overview

• The Generalitat sent an ES-Alert more than 12 hours before the main risk period, urging residents to avoid travel, steer clear of flood-prone areas, and leave ground floors and garages.
• Dozens of municipalities issued loudspeaker warnings, installed temporary barriers and home protectors, and activated local coordination centers to monitor ravines and suspend classes where needed.
• This approach contrasts with 29 October 2024, when AEMET's first red alert at 7:35 a.m. preceded the Cecopi call by nine and a half hours and most of the 229 victims were already dead, missing, or trapped when the ES-Alert arrived.
• President Carlos Mazón did not attend key coordination meetings for storm Gabrielle, drawing opposition criticism, while Vice President Susana Camarero said he remained continuously informed.
• A continuing court investigation has detailed communication failures in 2024, including the Poyo ravine overflowing for hours before alerts reached residents, keeping pressure on current emergency procedures.