Spain Braces for New Storms as Flooded Areas Prepare for More Rainfall
Residents in flood-affected regions of Spain are preparing for another round of heavy rain, just two weeks after devastating floods claimed over 200 lives. The country’s State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) issued an orange alert for torrential rainfall in the eastern Valencia region, which was severely impacted by storms on October 29.
The official death toll from the catastrophic floods, which saw a year’s worth of rain in just a few hours, stands at 222 people. Rosa Tauris, spokesperson for Valencia’s emergency committee, warned that the new rainfall could worsen the situation, especially given the mud already present from the previous storm and the strained sewage systems.
In response, the emergency committee has urged local authorities and organizations to take preventive actions, including the closure of schools. Tauris also advised citizens to work from home if possible and avoid unnecessary travel.
Chiva, one of the hardest-hit areas, canceled classes and sports activities, while Aldaia residents worked together to fortify the town with sandbags to prevent further flooding from the Saleta ravine.
In addition to sandbagging efforts, workers are clearing ditches and drains clogged with debris, such as trees, tires, and car parts, in anticipation of the incoming rain. On Monday, 10,000 tons of waste, including furniture, appliances, and clothing, were cleared from the streets, almost equivalent to the amount of waste Valencia typically disposes of in a year.
Weather alerts have also been issued for other regions, including the Balearic Islands, Galicia, Catalonia, and Andalusia. However, forecasters, such as Monica Lopez, do not expect the upcoming storms to be as severe as those that devastated Valencia two weeks ago.
