In brief
In southern Spain, severe flooding prompted mass evacuations in Málaga, with forecasters predicting heavy rainfall and thunderstorms to persist through the week.
Spain's Costa del Sol is facing extreme weather conditions as thousands of residents are evacuated due to torrential rain and flash flooding. The national weather agency Aemet has issued the highest alert levels for Málaga and northeastern Catalonia, predicting intense storms to last until Friday. The region, including popular tourist destinations like Marbella, Velez, and Estepona, is bracing for significant rainfall from a weather phenomenon known as a "Dana". Aemet warns that up to 180mm of rain could fall in Catalonia within just 12 hours, resulting in hazardous conditions along the coast near Tarragona. Schools throughout Málaga province are closed, while many businesses remain shut. Authorities have instructed about 3,000 residents near the Guadalhorce River to evacuate due to rising water levels. The Regional Government of Andalusia confirmed targeted evacuations have taken place without displacing entire towns. Minister Antonio Sanz noted the evacuation efforts communicate necessary safety measures to national forces.The severe weather has disrupted sporting events as well, postponing the Billie Jean King Cup opener between Spain and Poland, scheduled for Wednesday in Málaga.As Spain braces for more rain and low temperatures, the eastern Valencia region remains under orange alert, indicating significant risk for dangerous weather conditions. This follows recent flash floods that resulted in the tragic loss of over 220 lives in the region. Precautions are being taken in various areas, including Aldaia, where sandbags have been deployed to safeguard the community. While this current Dana weather system is not anticipated to match the intensity of the previous one from late October, communities remain on high alert.Meanwhile, in a somber follow-up to past disasters, rescue teams in Valencia confirmed they found the bodies of two young brothers who were swept away in the previous floods. Their family expressed deep gratitude for the support received during the tragic search.Experts attribute these severe weather systems to climate change, emphasizing the need for urgent attention to global warming and its impacts. On the first day of COP29, WMO Secretary General Celeste Saulo referred to recent flooding in Spain as a "wake-up call" regarding climate resilience.
