MADRID — A new wave of storms swept through Spain on Wednesday, resulting in the cancellation of trains and the closure of schools. This weather phenomenon comes two weeks after severe flash floods devastated Valencia and surrounding areas, claiming the lives of over 220 individuals and causing extensive damage to thousands of homes.
In the Malaga province, emergency conditions arose as streets became inundated. As a precautionary step, authorities evacuated approximately 3,000 residents located close to the Guadalhorce River. Schools in the area were shuttered, as were numerous retail establishments. Furthermore, high-speed train services between Malaga and Madrid faced cancellations due to the adverse weather conditions.
Thankfully, there have been no reports of casualties linked to the latest storms. The Spanish meteorological agency AEMET raised a red alert for Malaga, indicating that rainfall had reached up to 70 millimeters (around 3 inches) within one hour. Additionally, the eastern region, particularly Tarragona province, was also experiencing significant rainfall while remaining under a similar red alert status.
The shifting weather patterns in Malaga led to the postponement of the Billie Jean King Cup tennis finals between Spain and Poland, which were originally scheduled to commence on Wednesday.
The current storm pattern affecting Spain stems from a clash between warm air masses and stagnant cold air, resulting in the formation of highly concentrated rain clouds. Climate experts suggest that the frequency of drought and flooding cycles is increasing as a result of ongoing climate change.