Red alert in eastern Spain: torrential rain floods schools, supermarkets and a hospital

A new update has been issued regarding the severe weather warnings caused by Storm Dana Alice. The Valencian Emergency Coordination Centre has upgraded the rain warning for the southern coast of Valencia from orange to red, signalling a situation of extreme risk.

Warnings remain in place as follows:

Orange alert for rain and storms along the coastlines of Castellón, Valencia, and the northern coast of Alicante.

Yellow alert for rain and storms in the inland areas of all three provinces and along the southern coast of Alicante.

The storm has overflowed ravines and flooded streets in Gandia and many other towns. Three lightning strikes have caused material damage to two homes in Cullera and to a palm tree.

Hospital affected

Supermarkets, homes, and even a hospital have been affected as heavy rainfall returned on Monday morning October 13, following a brief respite on Sunday. The worst-hit areas so far are the Ribera and Safor districts, particularly the latter.

Local authorities remain on high alert, as the storms have become stationary in some areas or have evolved unpredictably.

In some parts, the rainfall has reached torrential levels. In Benifairó de la Valldigna, for instance, 61 litres per square metre fell in just one hour, 27.4 of those within ten minutes (from 10:50 to 11:00). This has led to the closure of several rural roads.

In Gandia, several streets are now difficult to navigate, as heavy rain has turned roads into large pools of water. Conditions have worsened throughout the morning, with water entering a healthcare centre and multiple supermarkets.

Further cities and roads affected

The Beniopa ravine has risen rapidly, causing concern among residents. The Piles Town Council has reported the closure of rural roads, including the one leading to Miramar. In Tavernes de la Valldigna, the rain is also starting to cause problems.

Further north, Cullera continues to experience heavy downpours after several days of unstable weather. The local council has maintained its emergency surveillance team to prevent accidents, particularly personal injuries. The storm cell positioned between Cullera and nearby towns has been producing intense rainfall since the orange alert was activated. Authorities have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel.

Several roads are closed, including Camí de la Coma and the CV-603 (Brosquil road), due to water accumulation. Camí Molí Cremat and the commercial road leading to the cemetery have also been cut off.

Electrical storm

The electrical storm brought three lightning strikes to the city: one hit a palm tree—extinguished by the rain itself—and two others struck the façades of residential buildings, causing only material damage.

In the Ribera Baixa, towns such as Riola and Favara are also struggling with heavy rain. Meanwhile, in the Ribera Alta, intermittent downpours are hitting Alzira and nearby areas.

Residents in the Ribera district received an Es Alert emergency message just before 1pm, informing them that the current warning would remain in force until 3pm. Alzira Council noted that the alert primarily concerns Ribera Baixa and Safor, where the rain is most intense. However, the situation in Alzira remains one of “tense calm”.