Why Spain’s floods were so deadly – ​​POLITICO

The Valencian government’s apparently slow response to the unfolding catastrophe is now under scrutiny. In an interview with POLITICO on Wednesday: questioned a Spanish national government official why Mazón’s government, which has the legal responsibility to lead crisis management in the region, had waited until 8pm on Tuesday evening to send text message alerts to people, many of whom were unaware of the flowing water.

At least 155 deaths were confirmed in Valencia on Thursday evening, but authorities say the toll could rise further as the waters recede.

Chronicle of a predicted flood

On Friday, October 25, Spanish government meteorologists said started to warn of a potentially historic rain storm. AEMET, the country’s meteorological service, issued an information note that the combination of a low-pressure system and easterly winds bringing moist air from the Mediterranean to the Spanish coast would “most likely bring heavy rain on Tuesday 29”, although they were not yet sure where exactly it would fall.

Over the weekend, AEMET’s warnings became increasingly precise and urgent, pinpointing Valencia and predicting rain would start on Monday, followed by up to three months of rain in one day on Tuesday.

Monday, the agency issued an “orange” weather warning for several regions, including Valencia. That afternoon, AEMET sent a message another bulletin. The agency warned of ‘significant danger’ on its social media.

The local government was well aware of it. On Monday afternoon, the Valencian Ministry of the Interior said issued a warning in a press release of extreme rainfall and likely flooding, prompting municipalities in the region to remain alert and take preventive measures.