Code red issued again due to heavy rains in parts of Spain
7
World
November 13, 2024 10:10
spain - The Spanish weather institute Aemet has issued a code red in parts of Spain once again due to heavy rains. Extreme danger is reported in Malaga and Tarragona where heavy rainfall warnings are in place.
The new weather phenomenon 'DANA', which claimed over 220 lives in Spain by the end of October, is expected to cause heavy rainfall throughout the day starting Wednesday morning at 10:00. In less than twelve hours, up to 180 liters of precipitation per square meter could fall in Tarragona and up to 120 liters per square meter in Malaga. "The danger is extreme. Flooding may occur. Be very careful!" Aemet stated on social media. Local authorities advise residents to stay indoors.
In Malaga, about 3000 people living along the Guadalhorce River have been evacuated as a precaution. In parts of Tarragona, classes and sports activities have been suspended with only essential movements permitted. Streets in the Castellón province were already flooded on Tuesday as documented in images from the municipality of Benicarló.
The region around Valencia, which was severely affected two weeks ago, is on high alert. Aemet predicts 150 liters of precipitation per square meter between Valencia and Alicante. Aemet spokesperson expressed concerns due to the already damaged drainage systems and infrastructure in the area which could exacerbate the impact of the heavy rainfall.
The rain zone is expected to expand towards the southwest of the country on Thursday, with heavy rainfall in the Huelva province and the Gulf of Cádiz. The stormy weather is projected to decrease in intensity by Friday.
The weather phenomenon 'DANA' is a result of the combination of a cold air bubble at high altitudes with warm winds coming from the Mediterranean Sea. This leads to severe storms mainly in autumn, but the intensity of this year's storms in Spain is unprecedented. Scientists attribute this to climate change.
The Spanish government has pledged €14.4 billion in aid. Criticism is mounting in the affected areas against the authorities, accusing them of insufficient action both before and after the floods. Around 130,000 protesters marched in Valencia on Saturday demanding the resignation of Valencia's regional President Carlos Mazón.