Storm Causes Suspension of Transport and Forced Evacuation in Spain
Flood in Malaga, Spain, Nov. 13, 2024. X/ @alrebalaje
November 13, 2024 Hour: 9:54 am
The government urged Parliament to adopt an agreement that would better prepare the country to face extreme weather events.
On Wednesday, thousands of people evacuated, classes and transportation suspended, homes and streets flooded, and even a waterspout—these are some of the effects of the new storm hitting Spain, with red alerts issued for the provinces of Tarragona and Málaga.
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Today, rainfall could bring torrential accumulations of 120 to 180 liters per square meter in just 12 hours in Málaga and Tarragona, both located along the Mediterranean coast. There is also an orange alert (significant risk) in Valencia province (ground zero of the previous storm) and Granada, according to the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet).
Following the devastating impacts on Valencia on October 29, a new episode of torrential rains is battering Spain, particularly endangering the coastlines of Málaga and Tarragona, which are under a red alert.
Thousands of people have been evacuated from high-risk areas, and classes and medical appointments have been canceled, with authorities advising residents to stay indoors as much as possible to avoid further tragedies like those caused by the last “Isolated Depression at High Levels” (DANA).
On Wednesday, heavy downpours and hail in Málaga have led to flooding and large pools of water on some of the main avenues in all districts of the city. Streets are flooded, with large pools of water forming near a major shopping center in the city center, an area currently undergoing Metro construction toward the Civil Hospital. Trash containers and plastic barriers marking traffic diversions were seen floating around.
The rail infrastructure operator Adif has suspended high-speed rail service between Madrid and Málaga, specifically between Antequera and Málaga, where conventional rail service is also unavailable. The Málaga Transport Company (EMT) announced the suspension of all municipal bus lines in the city.
A waterspout, also known as a marine tornado, formed as a result of the DANA, moving along the coast of Marbella for several minutes before dissipating upon reaching land without causing any injuries or material damage. This waterspout was visible from various points along the Costa del Sol, prompting authorities to be on alert as it passed by Marbella’s Cable Beach.
In the country’s northeast, emergency services received 251 calls related to rain incidents by early morning. The Ebro River Basin Authority, which oversees one of Spain’s major rivers, has warned of the possibility of significant local flash floods in ravines and smaller channels.
In Valencia, which is still clearing mud from the previous storm, the search for missing persons has been suspended. Before making this decision, however, authorities found the bodies of Ruben and Izan, two children aged 3 and 5 who disappeared in the town of Torrent after being swept away by floods on October 29 while with their father.
With the new rains threatening to worsen an already dire situation, Valencia has imposed mobility restrictions, suspended classes, encouraged remote work, and closed two ports to traffic. State security forces and the Army deployed in Valencia continue working in constant coordination with emergency management on priority tasks, including clearing mud, unclogging channels, and removing debris and waste.
On Wednesday, the Spanish government urged Parliament to adopt a national agreement that would better prepare the country to face extreme weather events like the DANA that recently devastated parts of the Valencian Community.
teleSUR/ JF Source: EFE
