The Spanish meteorological service has raised the alert levels in various regions of Valencia, responding to the significant risk of heavy rainfall—an urgent note following devastating floods that resulted in over 200 fatalities just two weeks prior.
AEMET, the national weather agency, has issued a red alert, particularly for the coastline of Valencia. This alert is set to remain in effect until noon tomorrow (11 AM Irish time).
Forecasters are predicting an alarming 180mm of rain could fall within just 12 hours.
Malaga in the south and Catalonia in the northeast have also been put on high alert as torrential rains are expected to linger through Friday.
Local authorities are sounding the alarm about the inadequacy of the sewage systems, which are already jammed with mud and debris, raising concerns over their ability to handle the impending deluge.
The catastrophic floods on October 29 were recorded as the worst in a generation, leaving a tragic toll of 223 dead, primarily in the Valencia area.
The relentless storm damaged vital infrastructure, wrecked residential buildings, and submerged vast agricultural lands. Estimates suggest that the total economic repercussions could escalate into the tens of billions of euros.
“At this point, there’s nothing left to lose,” shared Carlos Molto, a resident from the Picanya suburb of Valencia, during an interview with A Punt TV.
Watch this: As swollen rivers raged through the area, numerous vehicles were swept away in Malaga.
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Reports indicate that parts of Paiporta, one of the hardest-hit towns, are again experiencing flooding, as mentioned by local media outlet Las Provincias.
In a desperate attempt to shield their homes from potential damage, numerous residents have barricaded their properties with wooden planks and sandbags.
This deluge has also forced schools and universities across substantial sections of Valencia, Andalusia, and Catalonia to shut down.
In Malaga, local officials have ordered the evacuation of homes near the Campanillas River due to imminent flood threats.
Furthermore, the start of the Billie Jean King Cup final tennis match between Spain and Poland in the southern city has been delayed.
The Campanillas area of Malaga is particularly affected by these flood conditions.
The regional governments of Andalusia and Catalonia have issued emergency messages to residents via mobile alerts, urging vigilance.
There’s rising criticism regarding the Valencia region’s alert system. Detractors pointed out that in some instances, residents didn’t receive warnings until floodwaters had already breached their homes.
Discontent over the authorities’ handling of the situation has sparked public demonstrations, with a remarkable 130,000 people protesting in Valencia alone.
Cleanup operations persist in the Benetusser area, where the aftermath of last month’s floods continues to be felt.
For further insights: Valencia’s recent destruction unveils the pressing reality of our climate crisis.
Tragically, the Civil Guard has confirmed the discovery of the bodies of two young brothers who went missing following the Valencia floods. Ruben and Izan Matias Calatayud, aged three and five years, were found in different locations near Catarroja, nearly 10 kilometers from their home in Torrent, where they were last seen.
Their aunt, Barbara Sastre, revealed on Spain’s state TVE that while their mother had been working in Valencia, their father was at home with them when the flood struck at 6:30 PM on October 29.
Amidst the chaos, the children’s fear escalated as the roar of the rushing water invaded their home. Their father attempted to comfort them by moving them to the living room, but when the flood surged through the walls, everything changed.
“The three of them were swept away,” Sastre lamented.
Their father fought valiantly to hold onto them but was ultimately overwhelmed by the torrent. He managed to cling to a tree and survived, remaining there for four agonizing hours before rescuers arrived. He suffered significant injuries in the ordeal.
With a heavy heart, Ms. Sastre articulated the emotional turmoil the family experienced while waiting for news. They feel absolutely “destroyed,” she shared.
As search and rescue teams continue their efforts ramped up, they’re scouring nearby ravines, Albufera’s wetlands, and the sea with specialized boats to locate more missing persons.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
