In brief
As another wave of flooding impacts southern Spain, emergency measures are in place to protect residents.
Málaga, Spain - In a dramatic response to severe weather, thousands of residents have been evacuated from their homes in the Costa del Sol as heavy rain engulfs the region. The National Weather Office Aemet has issued the highest alert levels for both Málaga and the northeastern Catalonia region, predicting relentless rain through Friday.The Málaga area, including popular tourist destinations such as Marbella, Velez, and Estepona, is expected to bear the brunt of the latest "Dana" weather phenomenon. Other regions, including eastern Valencia, are also under severe alert after recently recovering from catastrophic flash floods that resulted in over 220 fatalities.As the threat of heavy downpours looms, forecasters predict that parts of Catalonia could see up to 180mm of rain within just 12 hours, alongside possible thunderstorms near the Tarragona coast. Schools across the southern province of Málaga have been shut down, and many local stores remain closed as the situation escalates. Stunning footage shared on social media shows once-bustling streets now submerged underwater.Authorities have specifically urged around 3,000 residents near the Guadalhorce River to leave their homes due to imminent danger. Andalusian government official Antonio Sanz explained, “We have not evacuated entire towns, but rather specific areas linked to the riverbank.” Consequently, the regional government has sought assistance from state security forces to handle the crisis effectively.Moreover, the severe weather has forced the postponement of the Billie Jean King Cup tennis match between Spain and Poland, which was scheduled to take place in Málaga this week. Aemet has also issued orange weather alerts for parts of the Andalusian region and the Balearic Islands, anticipating heavy rainstorms that could pose significant risks, especially in eastern and southern Mediterranean areas. Following the catastrophe in Valencia just weeks ago, towns are on high alert, and classes and sports events have been canceled in certain locales.In Valencia, local communities are still grappling with the aftermath of last month’s devastating floods. Volunteers and rescue teams have found the bodies of two young brothers who were tragically swept away during the previous flooding event, bringing closure to their grieving family. Their aunt expressed deep sorrow but also gratitude to the many who helped in the search effort.The "Dana" weather systems develop when pockets of low pressure become isolated from the primary jet stream, resulting in prolonged rainfall in specific areas. This ongoing trend has raised critical concerns regarding climate change, as highlighted during the COP29 climate summit. World Meteorological Organization Secretary General Celeste Saulo emphasized that the recent flooding serves as a “wake-up call” about the increasing capacity for rainfall in a warming atmosphere.
