The , which represents extreme risk, the maximum on a scale of three, due to heavy rains and storms in and Valencia. The red of Malaga was decreed on Tuesday night, and affects the regions of the Costa del Sol, Guadalhorce and Axarquía from this morning and will remain until early Thursday morning. The situation in the province of Valencia, as the hours have passed, has gotten worse. The Aemet has decreed the red notice tonight, which will remain in place until noon on Thursday, and it is estimated that more than 180 liters can be exceeded, especially on the coast and in just four or five hours. The Generalitat has sent a massive alert to the mobile phones of Valencians shortly before 8:00 p.m., in which it warns that “educational, sports and day center activities” are suspended. And, in addition, it restricts “private vehicle traffic.”
The issuance of the maximum alert is an unusual event, which occurs “only in the case of exceptionally intense and infrequent phenomena” and which represents an extraordinary danger and property and people could suffer very serious or even catastrophic consequences. The authorities have asked citizens not to take the car, to stay at home, to exercise extreme caution and, in any dangerous situation, to call 112. These are the main recommendations and self-protection measures for the population in situations of this type:
– The first thing is to stay informed at all times of the evolution of the forecasts and the warnings and recommendations of the authorities, through trusted media or the different civil protection and emergency services of the communities. .
– The safest thing is not to go out anywhere and stay at home, since the situation, according to Aemet forecasts, is extremely serious. You must check if the home is in a flood zone ―― and, if so, find a safe and secure place or go up to the top floor of the home or building. Faced with a red notice from the Aemet, the Government reminds that there is a risk to the health of workers. Companies must take appropriate measures.
– You should not cross, either on foot or by vehicle, sections of road or street that are flooded, as it may not seem very deep but the flood continues to grow and you end up being swept away by the current. You have to stay away from rivers, torrents, ravines and low areas, even if it is not raining in your area it can rain higher up and cause strong floods.
– On the streets, you should not travel through wooded areas to avoid problems with falling branches. Nor should you walk under awnings, cornices or walls that are at risk of falling. Even if there are no wind warnings, intense gusts can occur and storms discharge lightning, which can cause falling branches, cornices, awnings, advertising signs, unstable walls…
– In homes, awnings must be removed and unstable elements that may fall onto public roads, such as flower pots and furniture, must be removed from balconies and terraces, and, especially in single-family homes and with attics, gutters and drains must be cleaned. so that they can absorb the expected amount of water and avoid leaks. It is advisable to take shelter in buildings that protect against rays and close doors and windows, since currents attract rays.
– You should not take the vehicle if it is not strictly necessary and, if you do, you must get behind the wheel. L, which allows you to know what the weather will be like during the trip. Once on the road, extreme caution must be taken: increase the safety distance, reduce speed, always use crossing lights, drive slowly, do not cross ponds of water, use highways and do not drive on roads near watercourses and slopes. The water level can rise suddenly causing a flood, which is known as flash flood and which was the cause of many of the deaths in Valencia in the previous Dana.
– Yes, you must stop the vehicle, because if the wheel axle is covered by water, it could end up being dragged by the water. If you are on the road, it is best to look for a service area and get out of the car to the cafeteria, but if there is not one nearby, you should stop in a safe place on the shoulder and turn on your emergency lights. If the storm occurs in a municipality, you must park on the street. No car is worth a human life.
