More torrential rain cancels classes in some Spanish towns

By Alyssa McMurtry

OVIEDO, Spain (AA) – More torrential rains battered parts of Spain’s Valencia region early Thursday morning, and the same area remains on alert for more downpours.

The more devastating part of the downpour was concentrated over a 140 square-kilometer (54-square-mile) area between the city of Valencia and popular beach destination Gandia.

In just two hours in the early morning, four towns saw between 150 to 200 liters of rain per square meter (850 to 1,133 inches per square foot).

The affected towns of Algemesi and Albalat de La Ribera experienced significant flooding and canceled classes due to the “difficult situation.” The city of Algemesi said many households are coping with the aftermath, while there is a continued risk of falling trees or branches, and it is also urging residents to stay out of parks and gardens. Meanwhile, train services and public spaces like cemeteries and sports centers have been closed.

The same city also issued an urgent warning to residents, informing them that more heavy rains, strong winds, and even hail are expected to return within the next 24 hours.

Spain’s weather agency AEMET has put the majority of southern Spain on either yellow or orange alert for storms and heavy rain on Friday.

The country has already had to grapple with the strong storm system that devastated parts of the Mediterranean, particularly Greece and then Libya.

It hit Spain first, killing at least eight people. Four others who went out to sea that morning are still missing.

In terms of Spain’s drought, the downpours have not hurt, but 14.6% of Spain is currently in the throes of a “drought emergency,” while a further 27.4% is on alert for drought, according to government figures from earlier this week.

As of Wednesday, Spain’s water reserves were 37% full, which is 28% lower than the average for this time of year.