Flood-hit towns near the eastern Spanish city of Valencia raced on Tuesday to clear sewage systems of mud and debris, pile up sandbags and cancel school activities as they prepared for another approaching storm.
Two weeks after the worst floods in Spain’s modern history killed more than 200 people, the national meteorological service AEMET issued an orange warning, the second highest, for heavy or torrential rain forecast for Wednesday in the same area.
AEMET predicts up to 120 mm of rain in 12 hours. While the storm is not expected to be as powerful, it could be devastating for cities still recovering.
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The impact of the rain could be serious due to the amount of mud already on the ground and the condition of the sewage system, Rosa Tauris, spokeswoman for Valencia’s emergency committee, told journalists.
Thousands of workers are cleaning buildings and removing mud that has accumulated on streets and sidewalks and clogged drains in Valencia’s cities and suburbs.
The emergency committee issued a special notice asking municipalities and organizations to take preventive measures, including closing schools.
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Tauris recommended that citizens work remotely when possible, avoid non-essential travel and keep up with updates from emergency services.
The municipal council of Chiva, one of the hardest hit places, canceled classes and sports activities, while in neighboring Aldaia, workers piled up sandbags to protect the city.
“We are putting up sandbags to replace the floodgates that previous floods knocked down,” said city official Antonio Ojeda, hoping this will prevent the Saleta ravine from overflowing again.
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They are also clearing ditches and drains blocked by trees, tires and car parts.
On Monday, 10,000 tonnes of furniture, appliances and clothing were removed, almost the same amount of rubbish that Valencia discards in a year.
Valencian authorities suspended classes and activities at recreation centers in flood-hit suburbs, advising volunteers who flocked to the area to help with cleanup to avoid travel.
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AEMET weather warnings cover much of the Mediterranean coast of Catalonia, Valencia, Andalusia and the Balearic Islands.
