Schools Closed as Torrential Rains Batter Eastern Spain

Severe rainfall in Spain’s eastern regions has triggered widespread disruption, forcing schools, libraries, and parks to shut their doors on Monday amid fears of a repeat of last year’s catastrophic floods.

Spain’s national meteorological agency, AEMET, issued a red alert, warning of a “very complicated situation” unfolding across the Mediterranean belt.

The overnight deluge caused several areas to flood, with a ravine overflowing in Aldaia—one of the towns most severely affected during the deadly October 2024 floods, which claimed over 230 lives. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries have been reported from the latest episode.

Local authorities confirmed that schools and universities in Valencia city will remain closed on Monday, alongside public spaces such as:

• Libraries
• Parks and gardens
• Markets
• Cemeteries

Officials stressed that the measures are precautionary, designed to minimise risk to the public while the storm system continues to sweep through the region.

Last year’s devastating floods fuelled widespread anger over inadequate warning systems and sluggish emergency responses, further straining relations between Spain’s left-leaning central government and conservative-led regional administrations.

Residents continue to stage demonstrations, accusing both regional and national authorities of failing to provide timely alerts and effective protective measures.

Experts warn that climate change is amplifying extreme weather events. A warmer atmosphere is capable of holding more water, thereby increasing both the risk and intensity of flooding linked to torrential rainfall.

The Spanish government has pledged improvements in weather alert systems and infrastructure resilience, though public confidence remains fragile as eastern Spain braces itself for further storms.