Flood Risk Forces Closure Of Schools, Public Spaces In Spain

Authorities in Valencia, eastern Spain, have closed schools, libraries, parks, and other public spaces on Monday following heavy overnight rainfall that triggered a red alert and raised concerns of a repeat of last year’s devastating floods.

Spain’s national weather agency, AEMET, described the current conditions as a “very complicated situation” across the Mediterranean region.

The intense downpour led to localized flooding and caused a ravine to overflow in Aldaia, one of the towns worst affected by the October 2024 floods, which claimed more than 230 lives. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported so far.

AEMET also issued a warning of “extraordinary danger” in the provinces of Valencia and Castellón, as well as Tarragona in neighboring Catalonia.

Local officials announced that schools and universities in Valencia would remain closed on Monday, alongside other public spaces, including libraries, parks, gardens, markets, and cemeteries, as a precautionary measure.

The 2024 disaster sparked widespread public outrage over the lack of effective warning systems and inadequate emergency response. This has continued to fuel tensions between Spain’s left-leaning central government and conservative regional authorities, with residents still protesting and accusing officials of failing to provide timely alerts.

Experts note that climate change is increasing the risk and severity of flooding, as a warmer atmosphere retains more water, leading to heavier and more destructive rainfall events.