A week after the flood that hit the Province of Valencia, the State Meteorological Agency has sent a red alert for “high risk” of heavy rain and water accumulation for Andalusia, the Valencian Community and the south of Catalonia. The Malaga area was particularly affected
Bad weather continues to hit Spain, hitting Malaga and the surrounding areas in particular, where around 3,000 people have been evacuated and schools have been closed. In recent hours, the citizens of Malaga have received an alert from the Civil Defense on their mobile phones and evacuation from certain areas due to the risk of flooding on the river Guadalhorce. The main character, again, is DANA, a weather phenomenon that generally occurs in the western Mediterranean, including Spain, an acronym for the depression Aislada en Niveles Altos, which is triggered when a large mass of cold air is isolated at high high as depression. it collides with the warm air at low altitude.
The situation in Malaga
As mentioned, one of the points most affected by the new wave of bad weather in Spain is in the Malaga area, in Andalusia, where the latest rain is causing various inconveniences. As announced by the city municipality, flooding occurred in several squares and streets in the urban area, causing traffic disruption. Also for this reason, the local newspaper “Sur” showed that many people have chosen “self-isolation” and have chosen to work from home. Other critical areas are the Province of Tarragona (Catalonia) and part of the Valencian Community, the latter of which was severely affected by the floods two weeks ago. So far, announced the manager of emergency services, the main disruptions in this region have occurred in the province of Castellón, where, according to the local press, schools, roads and some shops have been closed.
A hospital was under water
Among other things, precisely because of the heavy rain, the floods that flooded the center of the Andalusian city did not even overcome the Clinical Hospital. Other houses in the Campanillas neighborhood were also cleaned as a precaution, after people were evacuated this morning. Over 300 reports of flooding in houses, shops, yards, garages, informed the adviser to the presidency of Andalusia, Antonio Sanz. Schools, universities and public parks are closed and sporting activities suspended. The red alert of the meteorological agency Amet for rain, even torrential, will remain in force at least until dawn tomorrow in Malaga, Granada, in the north of Castellon and in the south of Tarragona, in the east. Starting from the night, the orange alert will then extend to the Valencia coast, to many of the municipalities already hit by the Dana two weeks ago. Schools will be closed tomorrow and, starting from six this evening, road traffic is limited.
Madrid-Malaga high-speed trains stopped
In view of the bad weather, the circulation of high-speed trains on the Spanish Madrid-Malaga line was disrupted. The Minister of Transport of Iberia, Óscar Puente, announced this. At the moment, it has not been revealed when circulation is expected to be restored, and rail operator Renfe announced that tickets already purchased could be changed or canceled free of charge.
deep analysis
What is DANA, the extreme weather event that hit Spain
Last modified date 13 November 2024 at 16:26
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What is DANA, and how does it contribute to extreme weather in Spain?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Meteorological Expert
Editor: Good morning and welcome to Time.news. Today, we’re delving into the recent extreme weather events that have impacted Spain, particularly the ongoing situation in Malaga. With us is Dr. Elena Vargas, a meteorological expert and researcher specializing in Mediterranean weather patterns. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Vargas.
Dr. Vargas: Good morning! Thank you for having me.
Editor: Let’s start with the current situation. You’ve seen the reports of heavy rainfall and flooding across various parts of Spain, especially in Malaga. What underlies the recent severe weather conditions?
Dr. Vargas: Absolutely. What we’re experiencing is largely due to a meteorological phenomenon known as DANA—Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos. This occurs when a mass of cold air gets trapped at a high altitude and then collides with warmer air at lower levels, creating instability and prompting significant rainfall. The combination of these weather patterns has resulted in the severe weather we are witnessing today.
Editor: So, essentially, DANA is central to these floods?
Dr. Vargas: Correct. The phenomenon typically affects regions in the western Mediterranean, including Spain. Time and again, it has brought unpredictable and intense rain, compounded by factors like climate change that exacerbate extreme weather events. We’ve seen this in recent weeks across the Valencian Community and now in Andalusia, where you have around 3,000 evacuees and widespread school closures.
Editor: That’s alarming! The people of Malaga have received alerts for evacuations as the river Guadalhorce threatens to overflow. What are the key concerns when it comes to flooding in urban areas?
Dr. Vargas: Flooding in urban environments poses serious challenges. Infrastructure often can’t handle the sudden influx of water, leading to flooding in streets and public spaces, as we’ve seen in Malaga. Traffic disruption is a major issue, and the lack of mobility can hinder emergency services and cause secondary dangers, such as people being isolated in their homes or workplaces.
Editor: We’ve also seen reports of schools and businesses closing in the province of Castellón. How does evacuation work in these scenarios, and what should residents do?
Dr. Vargas: Evacuation is a critical step. Local authorities rely on alerts and warnings from the Civil Defense. Residents should heed these warnings, stay informed through reliable news sources, and prepare for potential evacuations by having essentials ready. It’s always wise to be proactive rather than reactive in such dangerous situations.
Editor: With respect to the future, what can be done on a larger scale to mitigate the impact of such extreme weather events?
Dr. Vargas: That’s an excellent question. Investment in resilient infrastructure is key. This includes proper drainage systems and flood defenses that can cope with the extreme rainfall associated with phenomena like DANA. Additionally, public awareness campaigns about climate adaptation will empower residents to understand and prepare for such extreme weather events better.
Editor: as we witness these incidents, do you think Spain should reassess its weather-related contingency plans?
Dr. Vargas: Absolutely. Continuous assessment and improvement of contingency plans are crucial as climate patterns evolve. The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events signal that change is needed, focusing on both immediate response and longer-term resilience strategies.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Vargas, for sharing your insights with us. It’s crucial for communities to stay informed and prepared in the face of such challenges.
Dr. Vargas: Thank you for having me, and let’s hope for calmer weather ahead for everyone affected.
Editor: Indeed. That’s all for today’s interview on Time.news. Stay safe and informed!