In Spain, schools in flood-affected cities in the east of the country will be closed on Wednesday, November 13, as the region braces for more torrential rain, authorities said.
The national meteorological office, Aemet, put parts of the Valencian Community, as well as Catalonia in the northeast, Andalusia in the south and the Balearic Islands, on orange alert (the second highest level) on Tuesday, due to intense or torrential rains, until Thursday.
This alert comes two weeks after an exceptional storm in the Mediterranean caused the deadliest floods that Spain has seen in decades. This meteorological phenomenon, which occurred on October 29, caused 223 deaths, the majority in the Valencian Community, according to the latest official report.
In this territory, dozens of municipalities, including Chiva, one of the most affected, have suspended classes and closed public gyms due to the threat of new torrential rains. “According to the information provided by the emergency services, school and sports activities will be suspended starting tomorrow. [mercredi] and until further notice »announced the city council on day X.
Clogged sewage systems
Military vehicles circulated through some towns in the Valencian Community to warn residents of possible storms by megaphone, urging them to avoid doing anything. “unnecessary trips”according to images broadcast by public television TVE.
Although predicted rainfall in Valencia is lower than two weeks ago, local authorities have warned that sewage systems remain clogged by mud and could struggle to cope with heavy rain, making further flooding possible.
Outrage over the mismanagement of the crisis before and after the floods sparked massive demonstrations on Saturday, the largest of which drew 130,000 people in the city of Valencia.
Classes will also be suspended on Wednesday in certain regions of southern Catalonia as well as in some cities in Andalusia, including Malaga.
