Torrential rain expected in Malaga and Tarragona as Spain shuts schools and evacuates residents – The Irish Times

Severe Weather Alert for Southern Spain: Aemet Issues Warnings

As extreme weather conditions loom in southern Spain, the state meteorological agency Aemet has issued an amber alert for larger parts of eastern and southern regions, with red warnings in place for the provinces of Tarragona and Málaga. Authorities advise residents to exercise caution as heavy rainfall and potential flooding are on the horizon, while communities are striving to recover from previously devastating floods.

Alert Levels and Impact

On November 13, 2024, Aemet communicated the critical weather risks associated with a new isolated depression that has introduced intense rainfall to the country. Rubén del Campo, a spokesperson for Aemet, stated, "We’re closely monitoring the new arrival of intense rains that have reached our country…those areas could see more than 180 litres of water a square metre fall in fewer than 12 hours."

• Areas Under Alert:
  • Red Alert (Extreme Danger): Tarragona (Catalonia) and Málaga (Andalucía)
  • Amber and Yellow Alerts: Various regions across eastern Spain, including parts of Valencia still recovering from a significant flood disaster.

School Closures and Evacuations

In response to the meteorological warnings, the Andalucía government has taken decisive action by closing schools across the provinces of Málaga and Granada. Approximately 3,000 individuals were evacuated from neighbourhoods adjacent to the Guadalhorce River, a precautionary measure to ensure safety as potential flooding looms.

High-speed rail services connecting Málaga to Madrid were also suspended as authorities prioritize public safety in the face of impending storms.

Ongoing Recovery Efforts

The aftermath of previous flooding in Valencia has left a stark mark, with almost 20,000 military personnel and police engaged in extensive clean-up operations. The town of Chiva, among the hardest-hit areas, has canceled classes and sports activities, while community workers are urgently reinforcing flood defenses with sandbags to protect against further water damage.

Antonio Ojeda, a municipal worker, shared, "We are placing sandbags to replace the floodgates that the previous floods tore down," emphasizing the proactive measures being taken to safeguard the community.

Searching for the Missing

The tragic impact of recent storms remains fresh in the minds of residents, particularly as emergency workers continue searching for 23 individuals still unaccounted for after the October floods. Earlier this week, the bodies of two young brothers, 3-year-old Rubén Matías Calatayud and 5-year-old Izan Matías Calatayud, were recovered, highlighting the human toll of extreme weather events.

In light of these events, public sentiment is fraught with frustration directed at local authorities. Over 130,000 residents of Valencia participated in protests demanding accountability from the region’s leadership, particularly President Carlos Mazón. The protests gained traction after it was revealed that Mazón did not arrive at the emergency command center until late in the day during the crisis.

Accountability Amidst Crisis

The regional government’s response to the October floods has been a focal point for criticism. It took nearly 14 hours for authorities to send emergency messages to mobile devices after the weather warnings were issued, leading to growing public outrage. Mazón has attempted to evade responsibility, attributing failures to varying levels of government involvement and suggesting that national authorities did not act swiftly enough.

In response, Minister of the Environment Teresa Ribera defended her ministry’s role, stating that Aemet’s responsibilities fell under her jurisdiction. She insisted, "The central government had fulfilled its responsibilities when it came to sounding the alert."

Future Considerations

As southern Spain braces for severe thunderstorms and potential flooding, the situation raises questions about preparedness for climate-related disasters. The criticisms levied against governmental bodies present a broader dialogue about the need for improved mechanisms to effectively manage the repercussions of climate change.

As communities endure ongoing recovery efforts, they also prepare for the new threats posed by changing weather patterns. Authorities urge residents to remain vigilant and heed warnings, taking proactive steps to safeguard their homes and families.

Engage with Us

We want to hear your thoughts on this developing situation and the government’s response to extreme weather events. Share your comments below, and feel free to explore more articles on our site about climate change impacts in Spain. For the latest updates on weather warnings and safety protocols, check out Aemet’s official website for authoritative information.

For further reading: Aemet’s Official Weather Reports
Photograph: Getty Images – People trying to open sewers in the neighbourhoods of Marmoles and Perchel on November 13th, 2024 in Malaga, Spain.

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