Just two weeks after the once-in-a-century floods in Spain with more than 220 deaths, the country has been hit by new, violent storms. The Andalusian province of Malaga was the worst hit this time.
The heavy rain flooded many streets there, including in the regional capital of the same name. Train, car and bus traffic was severely affected in the evening, public television broadcaster RTVE reported yesterday.
APA/AFP/Jorge Guerrero
The highest warning level again for Valencia
The highest red alert level in the east and south of the country has now been raised. In addition, the national weather service AEMET issued the highest weather warning for parts of the disaster region of Valencia. This region of eastern Spain was particularly affected by the terrible storm of 29 October.
Damage caused to train and bus traffic
So far, no deaths or injuries have been reported in Malaga. According to media reports, the storms caused major problems here and also in the neighboring province of Granada. Several bus and subway lines were affected. Parts of rail traffic were temporarily suspended, including the high-speed link between Malaga and the capital Madrid, which is important for Spain.
Even before the storm, about 3,000 people were brought to safety in a river area that was at risk of flooding as a precaution. Classes were canceled at many schools, and some courts and offices were also closed.
Severe storms in Sicily
Sicily was also hit by big storms. Heavy rain turned the streets of the city near Catania into rivers. In the town of Torre Archirafi near Catania, cars were swept into the sea by the floods.
In the town of Aci Sant’Antonio, firefighters rescued several drivers trapped in their vehicles by the floods, Italian media reported.
How is climate change influencing recent weather patterns in Spain?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Meteorological Expert Dr. Elena Ruiz
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, Dr. Ruiz. Thank you for joining us today. Just two weeks after the catastrophic floods in Spain that claimed over 220 lives, we’re now witnessing new storms, particularly affecting Malaga. What can you tell us about the current weather patterns impacting this region?
Dr. Elena Ruiz: Good afternoon! Thank you for having me. The recent weather events in Spain are closely related to larger climatic trends we are observing globally. The cycle of extreme weather, including heavy rains and violent storms, is becoming increasingly common and is heavily influenced by climate change. In the case of Malaga, the intense rain has caused significant flooding, disrupting transportation and daily life.
Time.news Editor: It’s alarming to see such rapid climate shifts. Can you elaborate on the specific meteorological factors that led to the recent storms in Malaga?
Dr. Elena Ruiz: Absolutely. The storms can be attributed to a combination of factors, including warm ocean waters that lead to increased evaporation and moisture in the atmosphere. When this moisture-rich air collides with colder air masses, it results in heavy downpours. This was exacerbated by the recent flooding, which already left the ground saturated, making it less capable of absorbing additional rainfall. This creates a domino effect, contributing to further flooding and damage.
Time.news Editor: In terms of regional preparedness, how can areas like Malaga enhance their resilience against such extreme weather incidents?
Dr. Elena Ruiz: Great question. Firstly, improving infrastructure to manage heavy rainfall and floods is crucial—this includes better drainage systems and flood barriers. Secondly, early warning systems can give residents more time to prepare. Public education on emergency preparedness can also save lives and reduce panic during such events. Long-term, we need to focus on sustainable practices to mitigate the effects of climate change, such as reforestation and responsible land use.
Time.news Editor: With the increasing frequency of these events, do you think we’re facing a new norm in weather patterns in Spain and other parts of the world?
Dr. Elena Ruiz: It appears that way. The patterns we are seeing—intense storms followed by longer periods of drought—suggest that we should prepare for a future where extreme weather becomes the norm rather than the exception. Countries across the globe should collaborate on climate action and adjust policies accordingly to address these pressing challenges.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Ruiz, for your insights. It’s crucial for our audience to understand the realities of climate change and its immediate effects on human lives. We hope that with increased awareness, communities will be better equipped to handle these challenges in the future.
Dr. Elena Ruiz: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important issue. Awareness is the first step toward action, and I hope we can work towards a more sustainable future together.