Deputy Government Delegate in Valencia delegated the management of the DANA storm: "I was recovering from an illness"

On September 28, the Subdelegate of the Government in Valencia, José Rodríguez Jurado, stated that he delegated the management of the DANA (Isolated Depression at High Levels) weather emergency to his substitute on the day the tragedy occurred. Rodríguez Jurado explained that he was unable to perform his duties at the time because he was confined to bed suffering from lumbago.

The disclosure regarding the leadership transition during the crisis follows public scrutiny over the government's response to the event. By confirming his absence due to medical reasons, the subdelegate has clarified the chain of command that was in place during the onset of the emergency.