Heavy rainfall continues to cause major disruptions across Spain on Thursday, as the country faces its second powerful storm in just two weeks, according to local media reports.
The storm triggered widespread flooding on Wednesday, particularly around Malaga. The city’s hospital was flooded, forcing it to suspend most operations. Spanish authorities evacuated over 4,000 people from their homes and carried out 30 rescue missions.
Despite the infrastructure damage and significant disruptions, including canceled flights, buses, trains, and school closures, no fatalities have yet been reported.
“After the events in Valencia, citizens have learned to respond to warnings with discipline and cooperation,” Málaga´s Mayor Francisco de la Torre said in an interview with Spanish network RTVE.
Catastrophic flooding devastated the Valencia province and surrounding areas on October 29, claiming at least 224 lives, according to the latest reports. These floods which came as part of the DANA storm are now regarded as the worst natural disaster in Spain’s recent history. The central government has already pledged around USD 14 billion in aid for reconstruction.
Although the areas most devastated by the October floods in Valencia braced for more rain on Wednesday night, the “ground zero” of the disaster narrowly avoided torrential downpours. The area managed to stay clear of further devastation, especially with the region’s sewage systems still clogged with mud. However, some parts of Valencia still experienced heavy rainfall, with up to 90 liters of rain per square meter in just two hours.
Schools remained closed in parts of Valencia on Thursday, as well as in the provinces of Granada, Huelva, Cadíz, and Seville, as the storm system shifted toward western Andalusia. Spanish authorities lifted the red alert for Valencia and Málaga on Thursday morning.
While the Mediterranean region is accustomed to flooding and strong storms at this time of year, experts warn that such extreme weather events are expected to become more frequent and intense due to climate change.
Speaking at COP29 this week, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez blamed climate change for the deaths of over 220 people and urged urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“We cannot afford to delay. We know the problem and what must be done. Yet, governments have hesitated and reversed progress to enrich the wealthy. This approach is leading us toward disaster,” he stated.