new torrential rains expected, two weeks after deadly floods

In Spain, schools in towns recently hit by floods in the east of the country will be closed on Wednesday, November 13, as the region braces for more torrential rain, authorities said.

The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) on Tuesday placed parts of the Valencia region, as well as Catalonia in the North-East, Andalusia in the South, and the Balearic Islands on orange alert. – the second highest level – for heavy or torrential rain through Thursday. On Wednesday morning, red alert for “extreme danger” was declared in Tarragona (Catalonia) and Malaga (Andalusia).

This alert comes two weeks after an exceptional Mediterranean storm caused the deadliest floods in Spain in decades. This meteorological phenomenon, which occurred on October 29, caused 223 deaths, most of them in the Valencia region, according to the latest official report.

In this territory, dozens of municipalities, including Chiva, one of the most affected, have suspended classes and closed gymnasiums due to the threat of further torrential rains. “In accordance with information provided by emergency services, school and sports activities will be suspended from tomorrow [mercredi] and until further notice »announced the town hall on X.

Clogged sewer systems

Military vehicles drove through some towns in the Valencia region to warn residents by megaphone about expected storms, urging them to avoid making “unnecessary travel”according to images broadcast by public television TVE.

Although the amount of rain forecast in Valencia is less than what has already fallen two weeks ago, local authorities warned that sewage systems were still clogged with mud and could struggle to cope to significant precipitation, which would make further flooding possible.

Outrage over poor management of the crisis before and after the floods led to demonstrations on Saturday, the largest of which brought together 130,000 people in Valencia.

Classes will also be suspended on Wednesday in certain regions of southern Catalonia as well as in some cities in Andalusia, including Malaga.