Just two weeks following the deadly isolated depression that struck southeastern Spain, resulting in over 200 fatalities at the end of October, another weather system has begun to impact the region. This new storm has unleashed significant flooding in Malaga, while Valencia remains on high alert.
The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has issued a red alert, the highest of three levels, for both Valencia and Malaga. The warning is in effect until midday Thursday for Valencia and until eight in the morning for Malaga, due to the relentless downpours.
Heavy rains, which started on Tuesday, have triggered alerts across various parts of Spain's Mediterranean region. Authorities are on high alert for severe flooding, reminiscent of the devastating "cold drop" event on October 29th, which claimed at least 216 lives in Valencia province, as reported by El País.
Impact on Malaga and Emergency Measures
In Malaga province, the intense weather has placed several locales, especially the capital, in a critical condition. By Wednesday afternoon, three rivers in the Andalusian province had overflowed due to the rain, leading to widespread flooding and the evacuation of thousands from numerous towns, according to local media.
Officials have advised residents to remain indoors, avoid affected areas, and stay updated on the situation. Approximately 1,100 individuals in Vélez-Malaga were evacuated due to the Vélez River overflowing, adding to the 3,000 who were displaced from other towns the previous night. Meteorologists forecast that Malaga could see rainfall amounts reaching 120 liters per square meter within 12 hours, and up to 200 l/m2 for the entire storm event, local newspapers reported.
Valencia Under Threat
Meanwhile, in Valencia, the center of the catastrophic weather event last month, rainfall accumulations could reach 40 l/m2 in just one hour and exceed 180 l/m2 over a span of four to five hours. "The danger is extreme," warned the meteorological agency.
Following Aemet's alert, the Generalitat's Emergency Coordination Center issued a civil protection alert through the ES-Alert system, highlighting the risk of potentially extreme rainfall. Municipalities most affected by October's storm have maintained emergency protocols, bracing for additional heavy rains.
Valencia's mayor, María José Catalá, urged residents to exercise caution and, if necessary, to travel within the city using public transportation. The presence of police and fire patrols has been bolstered in the area to ensure control throughout the night, reported El País.
Government Response and Legal Actions
On Monday, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced a relief decree for those affected by the storm, comprising 110 measures valued at 3.765 billion euros, supplementing the 10.6 billion approved the previous week.
Concurrently, the Supreme Court has received nine complaints or lawsuits against public officials, including Sánchez and the President of the Generalitat Valenciana, Carlos Mazón, regarding their response to the previous storm. The accusations include alleged crimes of failing to provide assistance or negligent homicide, according to legal sources cited by Europa Press.