Spain: Casualty figures continue to increase amid severe weather in parts of the country as of early Oct. 30 /update 2

Casualty figures continue to rise and widespread disruptions are ongoing as of early Oct. 30 amid severe weather that has triggered flooding across parts of Spain. Eastern areas of the country, in particular Valencia Autonomous Community, have been worst affected. A storm system has been bringing showers and storms across much of Peninsular Spain and the Balearic Islands since Oct. 28 and some eastern areas received more than 20 cm (8 inches) of rainfall Oct. 29, triggering flash flooding in parts of the region. As of early Oct. 30, authorities have confirmed at least 51 fatalities across Valencia Autonomous Community, and the casualty figures could rise with some areas still inaccessible due to flooding. Parts of Valencia and Castellon provinces in central and northern parts of the region have been hardest hit by the flooding. Emergency services have rescued around 200 people trapped by floodwaters and many more are believed to be stranded in the region. Many buildings, roads, and other infrastructure have been submerged by the flooding. Dozens of flights were diverted or canceled at Valencia Airport (VLC) Oct. 29; operations are resuming Oct. 30 but residual disruptions are likely. Delays, diversion, and cancelation were also reported at Malaga–Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) and Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernandez Airport (ALC) Oct. 29. Train services from Valencia to both Madrid and Barcelona remain suspended Oct. 30 due to flooded tracks and schools and universities in Valencia are closed due to the adverse weather. The severe weather also caused a train to derail in Alora, Malaga Province, Oct. 30, with no injuries reported in the incident.

The storm system is expected to bring further adverse weather to parts of the country over the coming days. As of early Oct. 30, the State Meteorological Agency (Agencia Estatal de Meteorolgia, AEMET) has issued the following weather warnings across the country Oct. 30:

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Parts of west-central Andalusia and northern Valencia autonomous communities.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Across La Rioja and parts of southern and western Andalusia, central and southern Aragon, eastern Castile and Leon, eastern and southern Catalonia, southern Extremadura, central and southern Navarre, and northern Valencia autonomous communities, as well as the autonomous city of Ceuta.

• Yellow thudnerstorm warnings: Parts of west-central Andalusia, central and southern Aragon, southern Catalonia, and northern Valencia autonomous communities, as well as the autonomous city of Ceuta.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Southern coastal areas of Catalonia Autonomous Community.

• Yellow coastal warnings: Parts of the northeastern coastline of mainland Spain.

Further yellow heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warnings are in place for parts of southeastern Spain Oct. 31-Nov. 1 and northeastern Spain Oct. 31. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming hours and days.

Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rain has saturated the soil.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are likely where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows will likely render some bridges or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces will cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities will probably temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Flooding will likely block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are probable in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions are likely in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.