Spain is facing another weather nightmare as torrential rains hit the southern region of Malaga and the northeastern province of Tarragona, just two weeks after devastating floods ravaged parts of the country and claimed the lives of at least 223 people, primarily from the Valencian region. The national meteorological agency, Aemet, has increased weather alerts to the highest level, red, for both areas due to the emergence of what meteorologists call DANA (Isolated Depression at High Levels).
The DANA phenomenon occurs when cold air at high altitudes becomes detached from the main current and descends, interacting with warmer, moister air below, leading to heavy precipitation and severe atmospheric disturbances. On Wednesday, the rain turned streets of Malaga and nearby areas to rivers, causing authorities to evacuate thousands and suspend train services.
Reports indicate over 3,000 residents were evacuated, particularly from homes near rivers where severe flooding was expected. Urban transportation and intercity rail service to Madrid were also halted. Juan Manuel Moreno, the regional president of Andalusia, emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, "Today Malaga is paralyzed" and highlighted the need to prioritize safety over convenience after the heart-wrenching losses witnessed during the recent Valencia floods.
Yet, this recent storm is not merely repeating the chaos of the previous one; it’s compounding the worries of residents who are just beginning to recover. Rainfall rates are predicted to reach between 120 to 180 mm (5-7 inches) by the end of the week, warning of accumulating water noted to cause "extreme" danger. Flash floods and coastal waves reaching heights of over 4 meters are also anticipated, leading to road closures and disrupting maritime traffic.
Meanwhile, as residents and recovery teams grappled with the latest storm, the cleanup from the October floods lingers. Communities affected by those recent severe floods are bracing for additional rainfall, fearing sewage overflow from mud-choked drainage systems. Carlos Moltó, a resident of affected Picanya, conveyed the despondency felt by many, stating, "We don't have much to lose anymore" after experiencing partial or total losses of homes and vehicles.
Aemet's alerts cover vast areas experiencing unprecedented weather conditions, with classes suspended and authorities urging citizens to remain indoors and heed emergency advice. Many regions, along with Malaga and Valencia, are placed on high alert as officials anticipate massive floods could recur with little reprieve.
Officials had anticipated this storm's arrival, sending out precautionary messages to affected areas. Meanwhile, search operations for dozens still missing from the previous floods have been hampered, complicate by the inclement weather. Rosa Tourís, representative for the Valencia emergency committee, noted “the search by sea has been compromised as a result of the maritime storm.”
The historical backdrop for these floods reveals Spain’s vulnerability to natural disasters. With records of catastrophic floods stretching back to at least the 14th century, subsequent tragedies have led to underwhelming infrastructural changes and protections post-event. Many gauge current efforts as insufficient, pointedly noting the lack of proactive measures after prior devastating floods.
Despite the forewarnings of this climatic disaster, Spain continues to face compounded vulnerabilities. The latest storm reminds not only locals but officials of the persistent reality of extreme weather patterns linked to longer-term climatic changes. Regions once unscathed are now battling regular downpours and relentless storms, making recovery from previous disasters all the more desperate. Relief plans, already stressed by heavy workloads and high demand, are being pushed again beyond capacity.
Residents are left with little confidence as historic droughts and periods of torrential rains collide, raising alarms about the overall readiness of regions like Valencia and Andalusia to manage them effectively. The immediate future keeps communities fearful and hoping they don’t face similar transgressions as this seemingly relentless weather system raises the stakes.
