Spain warns of severe weather with orange alert for Valencia

Flood-stricken towns near Valencia were in a race against time to clear mud and debris from sewage systems, stack sandbags, and suspend school classes as they braced for another incoming storm.

Just two weeks after Spain’s most devastating floods in modern history claimed over 200 lives, the national weather agency AEMET issued an orange alert—its second-highest warning—for potential heavy rains expected to hit the region.

AEMET predicts up to 120 mm (4.7 inches) of rainfall within 12 hours. While the storm isn’t expected to be as intense, it poses a serious threat to towns still struggling to recover.

The rains could be especially damaging due to the large amounts of mud already on the ground and the current state of the sewage system, explained Rosa Tauris, spokesperson for Valencia’s emergency committee.

Thousands of workers are clearing buildings and removing mud from roads, sidewalks, and clogged sewage systems in towns around Valencia.

In response, the emergency committee issued a special advisory urging municipalities and organizations to take precautions, including school closures.

Tauris advised citizens to work from home if possible, limit non-essential travel, and stay updated on emergency announcements.

In Chiva, one of the hardest-hit areas, the local council cancelled school and sports activities, while workers in nearby Aldaia stacked sandbags to guard against potential flooding.

“We’re using sandbags as a substitute for the floodgates that were destroyed in the last floods,” said Antonio Ojeda, a municipal worker, hoping this will prevent the Saleta ravine from overflowing again.

Crews are also clearing ditches and drains clogged with tree branches, tires, and car parts.

10,000 tons of furniture, appliances, and clothing were removed—nearly the same amount of waste Valencia handles in a year.

Valencian authorities also halted classes and activities at recreational centers in flood-affected suburbs, advising volunteers who came to assist with the cleanup to avoid traveling.

AEMET’s alerts cover much of the Mediterranean coast, including Catalonia, Valencia, Andalusia, and the Balearic Islands.