Spain is once again bracing for severe weather, with multiple regions under red and orange alerts for heavy rain and storms. Just weeks after catastrophic flooding claimed at least 220 lives and left devastation in its wake, thousands of residents in southern Spain have been evacuated, and officials are taking preemptive measures to safeguard affected communities. With forecasts predicting another round of torrential rains, the nation faces a test of resilience amid mounting pressure for improved disaster response.
Major Evacuations in Flood-Prone Regions
In Andalusia’s Málaga region, which includes popular tourist destinations like Marbella, Velez, and Estepona, emergency services have already evacuated around 3,000 residents near the Guadalhorce River. The threat of further flooding is tied to DANA (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos), a severe weather system that has grown more frequent with climate change and poses heightened risks during fall and winter.
The Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued red and orange alerts for nine communities, including Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, and areas in Valencia and Andalusia. With heavy rainfall expected to exacerbate existing flood conditions, local governments have suspended public events, closed schools, and instructed many to work from home to mitigate risk.
A Call for Stronger Disaster Preparedness
Public criticism of Valencia’s response to the October flooding—seen as slow and chaotic—has led to calls for better emergency protocols. Regional leader Carlos Mazón faces mounting pressure, with protestors demanding his resignation. A delayed flood warning in late October left many residents unprepared, resulting in widespread anger and protests. During his visit with Spain’s royal family and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Mazón faced backlash from frustrated residents, highlighting the urgent need for effective disaster communication.
Spain’s central government has earmarked €14 billion in aid for the affected regions. Finance Minister Carlos Cuerpo emphasized the government's commitment to recovery but acknowledged that assessing accountability will take time.
The Role of Climate Change
The recent flooding events underscore the impact of climate change on Spain’s weather patterns. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez addressed the COP29 climate summit in Baku, stressing that these recurring floods are a “wake-up call” to the world about the urgent need for climate action. DANA, a storm phenomenon intensified by cold air currents colliding with the warm Mediterranean, is now occurring more frequently due to human-driven climate change, which has doubled the likelihood of such storms, according to World Weather Attribution scientists.
Looking Ahead
With the nation on high alert, Spain’s leaders have vowed to support those impacted by recent disasters. King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia will revisit affected areas in mid-November to support recovery efforts, while the government evaluates long-term strategies for climate resilience.
Source: Euronews
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