Spain’s Mediterranean coast remains under threat as a new DANA storm approaches, bringing renewed fears of heavy rains and potential flooding.
The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has issued orange and yellow warnings for several regions, including Andalusia, Valencia, Alicante, and the Balearic Islands. With the storm expected to persist until at least Friday, November 15, local governments and emergency services are on high alert to mitigate the impact on already vulnerable communities.
Following the devastating DANA storm that struck Valencia on October 29, killing 214 people and leaving widespread destruction, municipalities across the region are racing to prepare. Clean-up efforts are underway to clear mud from clogged sewer systems and storm drains, with officials fearing that any blockage could worsen the flooding risk if heavy rains return.
In Malaga, the regions of Costa del Sol, the metropolitan area, Guadalhorce Valley, Antequera, and Axarquía are under orange warnings, with rainfall projections of over 100 liters per square meter within 12 hours and up to 40 liters in a single hour. In eastern areas, rainfall totals could reach up to 180 liters per square meter. The mountainous Serranía de Ronda is under a yellow warning, with expected rainfall reaching 60 liters in 12 hours and 20 liters in one hour.
The weather situation is expected to improve gradually by Thursday afternoon. However, Costa del Sol, the metropolitan area, and the Guadalhorce Valley will remain under orange warnings in the morning, with potential accumulations of up to 105 liters in 12 hours and 40 liters in one hour. The heaviest rainfall is forecasted in the western areas, with warnings in effect until 8:00 a.m. on Thursday.
In preparation, the Malaga City Council has taken action by inspecting river and stream beds to ensure they are clear of obstructions. Additional cleaning of spillways and storm drains has been carried out to manage expected water flows. The Municipal Emergency Plan will be activated at 10:00 p.m. tonight, ahead of the orange warning issued by Aemet. Homeless individuals are being offered shelter and resources at the Municipal Shelter.
The Royal Fire Brigade of Malaga has put extra personnel on standby, adding two additional units to its regular team, while the Local Police are preparing emergency response measures, including vehicle refueling and equipment preparation. Civil Protection has also mobilized volunteers to support efforts if necessary. Additionally, Emasa, the Municipal Water Company, has conducted inspections and cleared drainage infrastructures in urban areas and industrial zones, preparing for potential water accumulation.
Beyond Andalusia, the DANA storm’s reach extends to other regions, including Valencia, Alicante, Castellón, and Tarragona. Aemet has highlighted the risk of heavy rain, storms, and coastal disturbances in these areas. In the Balearic Islands, orange and yellow warnings have been issued for Ibiza, Formentera, and Mallorca, with rainfall expected to reach 100 liters per square meter within 12 hours and storm winds creating hazardous conditions.
Valencia Braces for DANA with Heightened Precautions
In anticipation of torrential rains, Valencia has taken drastic preventive measures to protect residents and infrastructure. The Local Operational Coordination Centre (CECOPAL) of the Valencia City Council has activated the emergency response plan, suspending classes in southern districts and Poblats Maritíms on Wednesday, November 13. Social centers, senior centers, and occupational centers will also close, with the public urged to avoid unnecessary travel and heed safety guidelines.
The city’s emergency services are focused on unclogging storm drains that remain filled with debris from the last storm. Mayors of affected areas, including l’Horta, have expressed concern about the clogged storm drains, which have been overwhelmed by mud and debris. In response, emergency teams are using heavy machinery to remove blockages and fortify flood defenses, but there is still significant concern about the potential for additional damage.
Valencia Communities Mobilize for DANA Defense
Across Valencia, communities are mobilizing to prevent a repeat of last month’s catastrophic flooding. In Chiva, one of the hardest-hit towns, local authorities have announced the suspension of all classes and sports activities starting Wednesday, with no set timeline for resumption. Officials hope this precautionary measure will keep residents safe as the region braces for more rainfall.
The town of Aldaia is also taking extraordinary steps to protect its residents. After protective flood gates were destroyed in the previous storm, locals have begun stacking sandbags around vulnerable areas, particularly near the C3 commuter line tracks. Guillermo Luján, Mayor of Aldaia, voiced the town’s concerns, stating, “We feel totally unprotected…we are looking for protection through sandbags to avoid damage in this new DANA that we do not know what it will be like.”
In l’Alcúdia, the City Council has advised residents to stay indoors and limit travel to minimize exposure to potential flooding. Officials in Alzira have echoed these sentiments, urging “maximum caution” and asking residents to avoid affected areas, especially during the height of the storm on Wednesday and Thursday.
Meanwhile, Algemesí is encouraging residents to take proactive steps to safeguard their homes. Having recently endured the overflow of the Magro River during the October 29 DANA, Algemesí’s residents remain on high alert. Although Aemet has indicated that rainfall may not be as severe as in the previous storm, the city remains under an orange alert.
Widespread Flood Warnings Along Spain’s Mediterranean Coast
The threat posed by this DANA storm extends beyond Andalusia and Valencia, with warnings issued in Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, and Murcia. Coastal areas in Catalonia, including Girona and Tarragona, are facing high winds and wave conditions, with waves reaching up to seven meters. The Balearic Islands are also under an orange alert, especially Ibiza, Formentera, and Mallorca, where rainfall could reach up to 100 liters per square meter over 12 hours, compounded by strong winds and rough seas.
The Region of Murcia has activated a yellow alert in the Guadalentín Valley, Lorca, and Águilas, where emergency teams are monitoring rainfall accumulations of up to 20 liters per hour. Inland areas, such as the Cordillera in Asturias and Cantabrian mountain ranges in Castilla y León, are facing yellow warnings for snowfall, while Aragón and Galicia are preparing for wind gusts of up to 70 km/h.
Safety Advice for Residents and Travelers
As DANA’s impact spreads across Spain, Aemet and local authorities are urging extreme caution for residents and travelers. Those driving in affected areas are advised to reduce speed, avoid parking in flood-prone zones, and prioritize main roads for travel. In case of heavy rain, authorities recommend seeking higher ground and avoiding rivers and streams, which may overflow without warning. For those outdoors, staying away from trees, metal objects, and wire fences is essential to avoid lightning hazards.
With regions along Spain’s Mediterranean coast already reeling from recent storms, the impending DANA underlines the importance of readiness and community cooperation. Officials across affected areas continue to stress the need for vigilance, as Spain prepares for another wave of intense rainfall and potentially hazardous conditions.
