The rainy season continues to cause havoc in much of Spain. The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has activated the special warning due to the formation of a DANA (Isolated Depression at High Levels) which is mainly affecting the Mediterranean regions and which is leaving exceptional rainfall in places such as the Valencian Community, Murcia, the Balearic Islands and Catalonia.
DANA causes torrential rains
The rains are especially heavy in coastal regions. in the east and southeast of the peninsula, as well as in the Balearic Islands. Episodes of up to 150 litres per square metre have been recorded in some areas, especially in the Valencian Community and the Balearic Islands. Towns such as Castellón and Tarragona are under orange alert due to heavy rainfall, while in Tarragona up to 100 litres have been recorded in 12 hours. Torrential rains in Spain 2024 are generating concern due to their intensity and duration.
In the Balearic Islands, Mallorca has been severely hit by the storm, with records of up to 120,7 litres per square metre in the Manacor hermitage. The rains have caused the Overflow of the Porto Cristo torrent, dragging vehicles and causing significant flooding that required the intervention of firefighters.
In Catalonia, meanwhile, the accumulated rainfall is helping to slightly increase the level of the reservoirs, which have been in a critical situation since the summer. Although these rains are a relief for the reservoirs, the drought persists in many of them. Torrential rains in Spain 2024 They also help partially mitigate the effects of drought.
Rescues and road closures in Mallorca
Heavy rains in Mallorca have left more than a hundred incidents registered by 112, many of them concentrated in Manacor and Campos, the most affected areas. Firefighters have come to carry out Five rescues of people trapped in their vehicles due to flooding, in addition to numerous pumping operations in homes and coves. As a result of the rains, seven roads remain closed on the island, further complicating traffic in the area. More information about Dana and its effects on the peninsula.
The situation in the rest of Spain is also complicated. In Benalmádena, Málaga, the rains have caused flooding and puddles on the roads, which forced the fire brigade to intervene on several occasions, rescuing people who had become trapped in their vehicles. The Costa del Sol has already activated the orange warning for more rain forecast for the next few hours.
In the south of the peninsula, especially in the region of Murcia and the province of Almería, orange and yellow alerts have also been activated for rainfall of up to 45 litres per square metre, occasionally accompanied by storms and hail. Forecast of torrential rains in Spain 2024 anticipates an increase in the intensity of rainfall in these areas.
When will these rains end?
The episode of intense rains is expected to continue at least until Thursday, although the situation of instability could last until Saturday in some regions, according to the AEMETThe most critical day will be Tuesday, when the following are expected: especially heavy rainfall in the eastern part of the peninsula, the Balearic Islands and the area around the Strait of Gibraltar. Areas such as the Valencian Community, Murcia and the provinces of Almería and Castellón could accumulate more than 150 litres per square metre in 24 hours. Torrential rains in Spain 2024 They may also be accompanied by thunderstorms.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, persistent rain is expected in the provinces of Castellón and Tarragona, as well as in the lower Guadalquivir and the Strait of Gibraltar. The Cantabrian and Atlantic slopes will be the least affected by this storm. Impact of Dana in different regions of Spain.
As the DANA moves southwest, the probability of heavy rains will increase throughout the southern peninsula and the Balearic Islands. Despite the improvement in some areas, climatic tension remains high in terms of the risk of possible flooding in the most affected regions.
Preventive measures and recommendations
Given the seriousness of the situation and the Activation of orange and yellow warnings, local authorities recommend taking maximum precautions during these days. They advise avoiding non-essential travel and, above all, not crossing rivers or areas affected by water accumulation. In the case of coastal areas, extreme caution is requested when approaching the coast, since strong waves could pose a risk to citizens.
Municipal teams in several towns have also begun to take preventive measures, such as closing sports facilities and parks, cleaning drains and making heavy machinery available to deal with possible emergencies. In Ontinyent, for example, the city council has activated its emergency teams to check drainage systems and prepare the city to avoid flooding.
In the meantime, it remains essential to follow the instructions of Civil Protection and AEMET, since the meteorological situation can change rapidly depending on the evolution of the DANA.
Despite the large amount of water being collected these days, the risk of drought, especially in areas like Catalonia, is not over. Authorities warn that, although reservoirs have regained some capacity, extreme drought remains a problem that will take time to resolve. This may impact the recovery of water levels in many affected areas.