The Spanish Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has issued a red alert for severe rainfall in Malaga and Tarragona, prompting the evacuation of 3,000 people in these provinces. A hospital in Malaga has activated its emergency plan after one of its laboratories was flooded.
Just two weeks after deadly floods in Valencia claimed over 220 lives, Spain is once again bracing for severe weather conditions. The latest storm, described by meteorologists as a Dana—short for depresión aislada en niveles altos, or isolated high-altitude low-pressure area—could bring torrential downpours throughout the day.
In Tarragona, located between Valencia and Barcelona, rainfall is expected to reach up to 180 litres per square metre within 12 hours. Meanwhile, Malaga, in the southern region of Andalusia, anticipates around 120 litres per square metre. “The danger is extreme. Flooding is likely. Please exercise extreme caution!” Aemet warned on social media.
Impact in Malaga
Malaga has been particularly affected by the downpours. Streets are submerged, public transport is disrupted, and residents are taking extraordinary measures to protect their property. All urban bus services have been suspended, and the high-speed rail service between Malaga and Madrid has been cancelled. Authorities have closed schools, and many residents are attempting to secure their vehicles, with some going so far as to tie their cars to lampposts or wrap them in plastic sheeting.
The Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria in Malaga activated its emergency flooding plan after floodwater inundated a laboratory, disrupting operations. The red alert for Malaga is expected to remain in place until midnight.
Effects in Tarragona
In Tarragona, the immediate impact of the storm has been less severe, though traffic disruptions have been reported on major motorways. Schools have been closed, and authorities in over 100 municipalities and towns in the Valencia region have suspended classes as a precautionary measure. Local officials have urged residents to remain indoors, work from home if possible, and avoid unnecessary travel. The red alert in Tarragona is scheduled to remain active until 10 pm.
Concerns for Valencia Region
The region around Valencia, still recovering from the recent disaster, is again under threat. Aemet has forecast up to 150 litres of rainfall per square metre between Valencia and Alicante, a concerning amount, especially given that existing drainage systems and infrastructure are already heavily damaged from previous floods. “Under normal circumstances, this rainfall would be substantial, but the damaged infrastructure will likely exacerbate its impact,” an Aemet spokesperson told El País.
In the province of Castellón, streets in some areas were already submerged by Tuesday, as images from the town of Benicarló show.
Expanding Storm Zone and Future Forecasts
The storm system is expected to move southwest on Thursday, bringing heavy rainfall to Huelva and the Gulf of Cádiz. While the intensity of the storm is forecast to decrease by Friday, the potential for further rainfall remains a concern for local authorities and residents alike.
The Dana Weather Phenomenon
This latest round of intense rainfall follows what has been described as Spain’s most severe natural disaster in over sixty years. Known as Dana, this type of weather event arises from the convergence of a cold air mass at high altitudes with warm winds from the Mediterranean, often leading to extreme autumn storms. This year’s storms have been particularly severe, prompting speculation among scientists that climate change may be intensifying the frequency and intensity of such events.
Government Response and Resident Frustration
In response to the widespread devastation, the Spanish government has allocated €14.4 billion to aid the affected regions. However, frustration among residents continues to mount, particularly in the wake of delayed warnings for the Valencia floods. The regional president, Carlos Mazón, has come under criticism for his administration’s response time, with residents expressing concerns over insufficient preparation and support.
As Spain grapples with the aftereffects of successive storms, there is growing pressure on regional authorities to implement more robust infrastructure and warning systems to mitigate the impact of future extreme weather events.
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Flooding Hits Cadaqués: Torrential Rain Causes Severe Disruption in Spanish Coastal Town
