The Court of Catarroja has taken a significant step in its investigation into the management of the severe flooding that affected Valencia in late October, with the initial imputations of Salomé Pradas, the former Minister of Justice and Interior, and Emilio Argüeso, the former Secretary of the Autonomous Community.

Judge Nuria Ruiz Tobarra has, however, excluded the President of the Valencian Community, Carlos Mazón, from the investigation despite requests from various parties to include him.

Since taking over the investigation on January 31, which includes reviewing complaints filed in municipalities impacted by the devastating floods resulting in 225 deaths and three disappearances deemed "avoidable," Judge Ruiz Tobarra has been tasked with identifying potential criminal responsibilities.

The inquiry focuses on whether the risks associated with the weather conditions were effectively communicated to the public.

The judge has sought data from victims, as well as technical information regarding the events of October 29 and 30. She has requested reports from the Ministry for Ecological Transition, led at the time by former Vice President Teresa Ribera, the Valencian Generalitat, and the Júcar Hydrographic Confederation (CHJ).

In a ten-page ruling issued on Monday, Judge Ruiz Tobarra justified the imputations of Pradas and Argüeso by asserting their roles in the decision-making process for public safety measures.

The judge emphasized that the former minister was the "highest responsible authority for emergencies" and was present at the Emergency Coordination Centre (CECOPI) meeting.

Notably, the CECOPI meeting started at 5 PM, whereas President Mazón did not arrive until 8:28 PM, over 15 minutes after the alert was sent, raising questions regarding his prior actions during the emergency.

Criticism has mounted around Mazón's management of the flood crisis, with parties such as Podemos formally requesting an investigation into his absence from crucial decision-making processes.

The requests included inquiries into his whereabouts from 8 AM to midnight on the day of the disaster, but were later deemed inadmissible by the court due to his protected status as a politician.

According to the Valencian Statute of Autonomy, as the President of the Generalitat and a Member of the Cortes, Mazón enjoys inviolability, meaning any legal action against him must come from the Superior Court of Justice of the Valencian Community (TSJCV).

Nevertheless, the judge has indicated that he could voluntarily testify, a suggestion that has already been declined by the Valencian Government.

Recently, the TSJCV dismissed two appeals requesting the start of an investigation against Mazón, stating that the evidence presented was "insufficient and unfounded" for a person holding protected status.

The court noted that the evidence did not justify any conclusive actions and that any investigation would be notably complex.

Simultaneously, Podemos has taken legal steps to report a potential crime of falsification regarding alleged manipulated footage showing Mazón entering the Emergency Operations Centre on the day of the flooding, a claim denied by the Generalitat.

Additionally, the SOS Desaparecidos organization, representing the families of victims, announced plans to file a new lawsuit in Catarroja and Letur, charging individuals involved in the public administration with negligent homicide in response to the floods, and requesting Mazón's testimony due to his alleged oversight during the critical period.

In contrast to Mazón, Salomé Pradas, who is not protected by political inviolability, was removed from her position less than a month following the floods.

She has been identified as the individual responsible for issuing a timely SMS alert on October 29 at 8:11 PM. However, the judge expressed that this mass alert was seen as "late and erroneous" in light of forecasts that had clearly indicated the impending severe weather.

Data from the Spanish meteorological agency and the effects of the rain—triggering overflowing rivers and resulting in multiple fatalities—were highlighted by the judge as indicators that the authorities had a duty to warn the population and implement protective measures in a timely manner.

Despite calls for investigation into other officials who participated in CECOPI, including Pilar Bernabé and Miguel Polo from the Júcar Confederation, the judge has not issued any further imputations as the evidence against them was deemed lacking.

The momentum for accountability surrounding the floods continues, with political figures facing increasing calls for resignations and public demonstrations demanding responsibility.

Public criticism of Mazón persists, with various civic, social, and union organizations partnering for demonstrations aiming for his resignation.

Recent reports have indicated a shift in sentiment among some members of the Popular Party, as discussions evolve regarding accountability for both regional and national governments regarding the flood crisis management.