Following prolonged heavy rain, the Generalitat Valenciana on 19 October Es-Alertsent Es-Alert warnings for the southern coast of the province of Valencia and the north of the province of Alicante and prepared a temporary stay-at-home order for particularly vulnerable areas. The background was exceptional rainfall which, according to emergency and meteorological services, reached up to 700 litres per square metre in a short period in some places and caused numerous floods.
The Generalitat’s emergency services raised the alert level under the regional Plan de Inundaciones. The Agencia Estatal de Meteorología had already issued red severe-weather warnings for the affected coastal area, with thresholds for extreme hourly rainfall and high 24-hour accumulations. In several coastal municipalities, including Gandia, Oliva, Dénia and Pego, emergency crews reported flooded roads, blocked routes and a large number of emergency calls. Local authorities cleared vulnerable areas such as squares and campsites and moved people to higher-lying accommodation.
State and regional forces, including the Unidad Militar de Emergencias, sent to the worst-affected areas. Schools remained closed as a precaution in several districts, while road and regional transport was severely disrupted by closed sections and aquaplaning. The authorities urged the public to follow official advice, avoid unnecessary journeys and keep away from known flood-prone areas. Legally binding measures such as closures or temporary stay-at-home rules are announced by official order depending on the situation.
The reported facts and figures are based on official warnings and notices from the Generalitat Valenciana, publications by the Agencia Estatal de Meteorología, and reports from leading news agencies and public-service media. Although rainfall eased in many places on Sunday, services continued to monitor developments closely, as saturated ground and continued inflows into streams and drainage systems could cause further flooding. Weather services expected further showers and locally heavy thunderstorms along the Mediterranean coast in the coming hours. The authorities said they would provide up-to-date information on any extensions or lifting of protective measures.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).