Authorities in eastern Spain shut down schools, universities, and public spaces on Monday after torrential rains triggered fears of renewed flooding in Valencia and surrounding regions.
The national weather agency, AEMET, issued a red alert, describing the situation in the Mediterranean region as “very complicated.” Overnight downpours led to localised flooding, including the overflow of a ravine in Aldaia, one of the towns devastated by last October’s floods that killed more than 230 people. No casualties have been reported so far.
Warnings of “extraordinary danger” were in place for the provinces of Valencia and Castellón, as well as Tarragona in Catalonia. In response, local authorities ordered the closure of libraries, parks, gardens, markets, and cemeteries, in addition to suspending classes across Valencia.
The deadly floods of October 2024 left deep scars on the region and exposed gaps in Spain’s emergency preparedness. Residents continue to accuse officials of failing to provide timely alerts, fuelling political tensions between Spain’s central government and regional administrations.
Experts warn that climate change is intensifying the risks of severe flooding in southern Europe, as a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, increasing the likelihood of extreme rainfall events.