Spain is bracing for more intense rainfall and storms on Wednesday, just two weeks after flash floods devastated parts of Valencia and other regions, leading to over 200 deaths and extensive property damage. Heavy rain has put much of the country on high alert, with the Spanish weather agency AEMET issuing red warnings for several areas due to the risk of more flooding.
Severe Weather Warnings Issued for Tarragona and Malaga
AEMET has placed eastern Tarragona and southern Malaga on red alert, forecasting up to 180 mm (7.1 inches) of rainfall within 12 hours, which could cause rivers to swell and flash floods to occur. Additionally, orange alerts were issued for Thursday in southern Granada and coastal areas in Valencia, where 40 to 120 mm (1.6 to 4.7 inches) of rain is expected.
High winds, reaching speeds of 119 km/h (74 mph), and turbulent seas are also forecasted for Tarragona, Barcelona, and Murcia.
Evacuations and Safety Measures in Malaga and Surrounding Areas
Malaga’s emergency services have evacuated 3,000 residents from flood-prone areas near the Guadalhorce River and urged people in other affected regions to move to higher ground. In Benalmadena, 15 people were displaced after a wall collapsed due to heavy rainfall.
Rail services in Malaga have been suspended, including the high-speed link to Madrid, as Malaga’s train station faced flooding, according to national rail operator Adif. In Campanilla, a district near a Guadalhorce tributary, workers are constructing a temporary barrier to contain rising waters after sewers reached their capacity.
Local resident Miguel Espinosa recalled previous flooding, saying, “People are very worried because five years ago, the river rose nearly a meter above street level, damaging homes and even causing walls to collapse.”
Schools, Roads, and Transportation Shut Down Across Spain
Classes have been canceled in schools throughout Malaga, Valencia, and parts of Catalonia, while metro lines and three highways in Malaga have been closed due to flooding risks. Andalusia’s regional head, Juanma Moreno, explained that the widespread closures were a preventive measure, with authorities sending alerts to citizens to minimize the impact.
In Valencia, where the government and Red Cross are distributing blankets and jackets to those affected by recent floods, Gandia port has been closed, and the Billie Jean King tennis finals in Malaga have been postponed.
Worker Safety and Government Response
Spain’s Labour Minister Yolanda Diaz reminded workers of their right to avoid going to work if weather conditions were unsafe, reinforcing the importance of safety during extreme weather events.
The government’s extensive emergency measures come in response to criticism over previous storm preparations. The storm system, known locally as DANA, has increased in frequency and intensity due to climate change. The meeting of cold and warm air masses creates powerful rain clouds, resulting in severe autumn storms across Spain.
Rosa Tauris, a spokesperson for Valencia’s emergency committee, warned that rain impacts could be severe due to mud buildup and the condition of local sewage systems. Municipalities have canceled non-essential activities, advised residents to work from home, and halted volunteer cleanup efforts to focus on urgent safety measures.
The worsening weather has also led to the suspension of rescue operations along Valencia’s coast, where teams are still searching for missing individuals, according to Spain’s maritime rescue service.
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