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Red weather alerts have been issued and thousands evacuated as a powerful storm has brought torrential rain and high winds to Spain just weeks after deadly flash floods hit the country.
Spanish weather forecaster Aemet raised Valencia’s warning level to the maximum on Wednesday evening, after the region was hit hardest in the extreme weather that lashed the country only two weeks ago.
The province joins Malaga in the Costa del Sol, which is already under a red weather alert, as Spain once again finds itself battling rising floodwaters after the recent flash floods killed more than 200 people and destroyed homes.
In the Malaga province, around 3,000 people living along the Guadalhorce River and reportedly a further 1,100 near the Vélez River have been evacuated, while the city’s main hospital is now limiting services to emergencies only after it flooded.
The Costa del Sol, including popular tourist destinations like Marbella, Estepona, and Vélez, is bearing the brunt of the extreme weather phenomenon known as a “Dana”, which will see up to 7.1 inches of rain in some areas within hours.
Flood warnings extend across much of southern Spain, with meteorologists cautioning that rivers could overflow and gusts of up to 74 miles per hour may worsen the situation.
Classes have been suspended in schools in Malaga, Valencia and some municipalities of Catalonia. Aemet warns of rainfall and storms that could be “very strong to torrential”.
Dozens of animals facing danger amid floods are safely rescued in Malaga
Dozens of animals who were in danger as a stream overflowed in Malaga have been safely rescued, the city council has confirmed.
The 41 horses and 39 dogs were saved from the Málaga Equestrian Club by emergency services this afternoon, according to Malaga’s city council.
Bus services to and from Malaga cancelled
Bus services to and from Malaga have been suspended by Spain’s leading bus company.
Alsa made the announcement this evening, citing the “adverse weather conditions”, and confirmed that other services in areas affected by the storm have also been suspended.
In pictures: Powerful storm brings torrential rain and high winds to Spain – again
Valencia’s council closes underpasses to traffic and warns residents to not leave home
Valencia’s city council has closed the area’s underpasses to traffic and warned its residents to not leave their homes.
It comes as the weather alert for the region of Valencia has been raised to red, the highest level.
Further 1,100 people evacuted in Malaga due to river flooding, reports local media
A further 1,100 people have reportedly been evacuated in Malaga – this time due to the flooding of the Vélez River.
Spanish newspaper El País reports a total of more than 4,000 people have now been evacuated in the region as a storm lashes the country.
Red weather warning for Tarragona has been lifted
The red weather warning for Tarragona has been lifted, according to the Spanish weather forecaster.
Aemet announced this evening that because “the situation has improved in the area”, the alert that was supposed to be in place until 10pm has now been downgraded to the orange level.
Weather alert in Valencia raised to red just weeks after deadly flash floods hit region hardest
The weather alert in Valencia has been raised to red – the maximum level – just two weeks after the province became the hardest-hit area in deadly flash floods.
Aemet, Spain’s weather forecaster, issued the fresh warning just after 6pm, local time, announcing that it will be in force today and tomorrow due to the rain.
Valencia joins Malaga and Tarragona, which are already under the maximum alert level red.
Train service between Valencia and Barcelona impacted by extreme weather
The train service between Valencia and Barcelona has been impacted by the extreme weather, according to Spain’s railway network manager.
ADIF reported this afternoon that the Valencia-Barcelona line between Castelló and Cambrils “is interrupted due to the weather conditions in the area”.
Torrential rains also lash Valencian Community
Torrential rains are also lashing the Valencian Community, according to the Spanish weather agency.
Aemet, the state meteorological agency, reported a rain guage on a river in Traiguera, Castellón, recorded 106 litres per square metre – more than half in the last hour.
“The intensity is torrential,” the Valencian arm of the agency said this afternoon.
Benamargosa River partially bursts banks
The Benamargosa River in the Axarquia region has partially burst over its banks, El Pais has reported.
The river’s level has surged rapidly in recent hours after the overflow of the nearby Solano dam, which usually protects the area.
“We advise residents to remain indoors. In flood-prone areas, please move to higher floors and avoid approaching the riverbed,” the Benamargosa Town Hall announced around 4 pm.
The overflow has impacted several fields and some homes in the area.
Source: independent.co.uk
