Flash Floods in Spain: Residents Braced for Further Heavy Rain and Storms
Two weeks ago, Spain was hit by devastating flash floods that claimed the lives of over 200 people and destroyed homes and property. The storm system, known as Dana, was characterized by powerful rain clouds caused by the meeting of cold and warm air. As a result, rivers overflowed, and flash floods ravaged several regions.
Red Alerts Issued for Heavy Rain
In anticipation of further heavy rain and storms, Spanish weather forecaster Aemet has issued red alerts for eastern Tarragona and southern Malaga provinces. The areas are expected to receive as much as 180mm per square meter of heavy to torrential rain within 12 hours, which could cause rivers to overflow and generate flash floods.
Orange Alerts Issued for Other Regions
Orange alerts have been issued for southern Granada and Valencia’s coastal area from Denia to Sagunto, where between 40mm and 120mm of rain are projected to fall. Additionally, winds of up to 119kph and high seas are predicted for Tarragona, Barcelona, and Murcia.
Emergency Measures in Place
To mitigate the effects of the storms, emergency services have taken several measures. In Malaga, 3,000 people have been moved from homes at high risk of flooding near the Guadalhorce River, and citizens have been asked to seek higher ground. Classes have been suspended in schools in Malaga, Valencia, and some municipalities of Catalonia. Two metro lines have been closed or partially closed in Malaga, along with three highways deemed at risk of flash floods. In Valencia, the regional government and Red Cross have handed out jackets and blankets, and Gandia cargo and passenger port has been closed.
Response Criticism
The emergency measures come after fierce criticism, primarily of local authorities but also national government, for their level of preparation for and warnings to citizens about the October 29 storm and resulting floods.
Impact of Rain
In Valencia, the impact of the rain could be severe due to the significant quantities of mud already on the ground and the condition of the sewage system. Many municipalities in flood-hit areas have cancelled all non-essential activities, told citizens to work from home, and asked volunteers to suspend clean-up operations and pile up sandbags for extra protection.
Severe Weather Conditions
Cesar Cabrera, a sewage worker from Pamplona, labouring in the flood-hit Valencian suburb of Pairporta, said they are racing against time to unblock drains in case rivers overflow again. "We are cleaning so that the water can flow if it rains," he said. "Let’s hope it doesn’t rain a lot and we can control the situation."
Rescue Efforts Suspended
The coming storms have also obliged the suspension of rescue efforts by teams still searching for missing people off the coast of Valencia, Spain’s maritime rescue service said.
Conclusion
As Spain braces for further heavy rain and storms, it is clear that the country is still reeling from the devastating effects of the recent flash floods. The government and emergency services have taken measures to mitigate the impact of the storms, but it remains to be seen whether these efforts will be sufficient to prevent further damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What caused the flash floods in Spain?
A: The flash floods were caused by the meeting of cold and warm air, resulting in powerful rain clouds and overflowing rivers.
Q: How many people were killed in the flash floods?
A: Over 200 people were killed in the flash floods.
Q: What measures have been taken to mitigate the impact of the storms?
A: Emergency services have taken measures such as moving people from high-risk areas, closing schools and roads, and suspending non-essential activities.
Q: How severe is the weather forecast for the coming days?
A: The weather forecast is predicting heavy to torrential rain, strong winds, and high seas for several regions in Spain.