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UME Defends Rapid Response to Valencia Floods
The head of Spain's Military Emergency Unit (UME) defends its rapid response to the deadly October 2023 floods in Valencia, despite criticism of late government aid.
Spanish
Spain
MilitaryMilitary TechnologyCriticismEmergencyFloodResponse
Unidad Militar De Emergencias (Ume)Ministerio De DefensaGeneralitat ValencianaCecopiSpanish Armed Forces
Javier MarcosMargarita RoblesCarlos MazónPedro Sánchez
- When did the UME start its deployment in Valencia and why?
- The UME began deploying to Valencia on October 29th at 3:41 PM, hours before receiving official orders, as they deemed the flood situation critical.
- How did General Marcos defend the UME's actions against criticism?
- General Marcos refutes claims of slow response, presenting evidence of the UME's early deployment and actions in rescuing people and providing aid.
- What is the role of the UME in relation to official emergency level decisions?
- While acknowledging that the UME acted before official orders, General Marcos stated that their involvement in emergency level decisions is limited until level two emergency is declared.
- What challenges did the UME face during its deployment and how did they overcome it?
- Despite challenges in reaching certain areas due to severe flooding, the UME managed to rescue people trapped on highways and responded to requests from the CECOPI.
- What were the main points of contention and how were they addressed in the press conference?
- The General defended the UME's actions against criticism, highlighting the heroic efforts of its members and rejecting accusations of a delayed response to the crisis.