In Valencia, the heavy rains could pose serious risks due to large amounts of mud already present on the ground and the condition of the drainage system, Rosa Tauris, spokesperson for the emergency committee, said on Tuesday.
In response, several municipalities in the flood-affected areas have suspended all non-essential activities, advised residents to work remotely, and urged people to stay informed through updates from emergency services. Volunteers have been asked to pause clean-up efforts, and sandbags are being set up for additional protection.
Cesar Cabrera, 32, a sewage worker from Pamplona working in the flooded suburb of Paiporta, Valencia, said teams were urgently clearing blocked drains to prepare for potential river overflow. “We’re working to keep the water moving if it rains,” he said. “Hopefully, it won’t rain too much, and we can manage the situation.”
The incoming storms have also forced search teams to halt efforts to locate missing individuals off the coast of Valencia, according to Spain’s maritime rescue service.
Spaniards are bracing for another wave of severe storms only two weeks after devastating floods swept through Valencia, leaving destruction in their wake. Emergency services are on high alert as heavy rain is forecasted to impact regions still recovering from the previous floods.
In Valencia, where mud and debris still cover large areas, local authorities have warned that additional rainfall could worsen the damage due to the strain on the already compromised sewage system. “The situation could be critical,” said Rosa Tauris, spokesperson for the emergency committee, emphasizing the vulnerability of the affected regions.
Many towns in flood-prone areas have taken preventative measures, canceling non-essential activities and advising residents to work from home. Citizens have been encouraged to stay updated on emergency instructions and prepare for potential flooding by securing their properties with sandbags and other protective measures. Clean-up efforts by volunteers have been paused to ensure safety as the area braces for renewed storms.
Meanwhile, crews are racing to clear drainage systems. Cesar Cabrera, a sewage worker from Pamplona currently working in Paiporta, a Valencia suburb, said they are urgently unclogging drains in case rivers surge again. “We’re working hard so water can flow if it rains again,” he said, expressing hope that rainfall will be manageable.
The adverse weather has also interrupted search operations for individuals missing along the Valencian coast. Spain’s maritime rescue service announced a temporary suspension of rescue activities, citing safety concerns due to the worsening conditions.
The new storms come as Spain continues to grapple with extreme weather events that have disrupted daily life, underscoring the need for resilience as communities confront the impact of climate change.