MADRID, Spain, December 29 — Torrential rains triggered severe flash floods across southern and eastern Spain over the weekend, leaving one person dead and two others missing by Sunday evening. Emergency services worked through hazardous conditions as overflowing rivers swept away vehicles, prompting authorities to issue urgent alerts for residents to stay indoors.
What is the current situation in Spain?
Heavy weekend rains caused rivers to overflow in several Spanish provinces, leading to dangerous flash flooding. In Malaga, the Civil Guard recovered the body of a man from a van that was swept away by an overflowing riverbed. A second passenger from that vehicle remains missing. In Granada, emergency teams are searching for a young person who was carried away while attempting to cross a riverbed on a motorcycle.
Which areas are under the highest alert?
The Valencia region, where catastrophic floods in October killed over 220 people, was under a red alert on Sunday. Authorities sent warnings directly to residents’ phones, urging them to stay indoors and seek high ground. Eight other provinces were placed under an orange alert, indicating serious risk and advising citizens to prepare for worsening conditions. The previous year’s floods in Valencia had prompted the regional leader’s resignation after widespread criticism of delayed warnings.
What other damage has been reported?
In Barcelona, Catalonia, a woman was hospitalized on Saturday after being struck by a lamppost torn down by winds reaching 70 kilometers per hour, according to the regional civil protection agency. The storms caused widespread disruption, with flooding and high winds damaging infrastructure and paralyzing travel in affected areas.
How are authorities responding?
Emergency and search operations are ongoing in Malaga and Granada for the missing individuals. The national Civil Guard and local emergency teams are conducting the responses amid challenging weather conditions. The alerts emphasize a heightened state of readiness, particularly in Valencia, where authorities are seeking to avoid a repeat of last year’s tragedy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How many people are confirmed missing in the floods?
A: There are two verified missing persons: a motorcyclist in Granada and a passenger from the van in Malaga. Search activities are underway.
Q: What is a red alert?
A: A red alert is the highest-level warning, indicating extreme danger. In Valencia, it mandated directives for people to stay indoors and on high ground.
Q: Was there a major flood in Valencia recently?
A: Yes. In October of last year, floods in Valencia killed more than 220 people and caused billions of euros in damage, leading to significant political fallout.
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