Southern Spain is preparing for additional heavy rain and flooding, with thousands evacuated from Málaga. The storms are linked to the ongoing effects of climate change, raising concerns over recovery efforts from recent floods.
Southern Spain is bracing for another round of extreme weather, as thousands of residents, particularly in Málaga, are evacuated from their homes due to a new storm system. This comes just two weeks after deadly floods devastated parts of the country, leaving over 220 people dead. Málaga, including popular tourist spots like Marbella and Estepona, has been placed under a red weather alert as the incoming storms threaten to cause more flooding.
The New Storm Threat
The storm, a version of DANA (Isolated Depression at High Levels), is expected to bring torrential rain and severe storms. AEMET, Spain’s meteorological agency, has issued orange and red weather alerts for several regions, including Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, Valencia, and Andalusia. These areas are already vulnerable after the catastrophic flooding in October, and authorities are worried about further damage to already saturated ground and infrastructure.
While the new storms are not expected to be as catastrophic as the October floods, concerns are rising about their impact, especially in areas still recovering. Emergency services have already evacuated around 3,000 people in Málaga, mainly from areas near the Guadalhorce River, which is at high risk of flooding.
Ongoing Recovery Efforts
Recovery efforts in Valencia and other flood-affected regions are being hampered by the incoming storm. Local authorities warn that the heavy rainfall could disrupt the clean-up efforts due to the large amounts of mud left behind by the October floods and the strained sewage systems. In response, local governments have canceled non-essential events, suspended schooling, and urged residents to stay home.
Criticism of Slow Response to October Floods
Spain’s response to the October floods has faced significant criticism, particularly for the delayed flood alerts. Many residents in Valencia and other affected areas were angered by the slow reaction, with flood warnings not issued until hours after the waters began rising. Regional President Carlos Mazón has faced protests calling for his resignation.
In light of the criticism, Spanish authorities have pledged a quicker and more coordinated response to this new weather system. King Felipe VI and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited the hardest-hit areas earlier this month and are expected to return to assess the ongoing recovery efforts.
Financial Aid and Government Support
To aid in the recovery, the Spanish government has allocated €14 billion for reconstruction efforts in the Valencia region. Prime Minister Sánchez has reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to providing the necessary resources but stressed that it is still too early to assign blame for the devastating floods.
At the COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan this week, Sánchez called the Valencia floods a wake-up call about the growing threat of climate change. He emphasized that extreme weather events like these are becoming more frequent and severe due to global warming.
Climate Change and Extreme Weather
Meteorologists have warned that DANA storms, which occur when cold polar air moves over the warmer Mediterranean waters, are becoming more common due to climate change. A recent report by the World Weather Attribution network revealed that human-driven climate change has doubled the likelihood of storms like the one that hit Valencia.
As the frequency of extreme weather events increases, the urgency to address climate change becomes more pressing. Prime Minister Sánchez’s comments at COP29 highlighted the need for global action to prevent further loss of life in increasingly severe natural disasters.
Key Points to Know:
- Thousands have been evacuated from Málaga as more storms and flooding loom.
- The Spanish government is facing criticism for its slow response to October’s floods, with local leaders under pressure.
- €14 billion has been allocated for reconstruction, but the storm season is far from over.
- Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called for global action on climate change, warning that storms like those in Valencia will become more frequent and intense.
- Experts confirm that human-driven climate change has exacerbated the likelihood of extreme weather events, including the deadly floods in Spain.
What do you think about Spain’s current flood response and the broader issue of climate change’s role in extreme weather events? Share your thoughts below, and stay updated on the ongoing efforts to manage the storm in Spain.