Summary
- Heavy rains have prompted the suspension of classes and closure of public spaces across several municipalities in the Comunitat Valenciana.
- The Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (Aemet) has issued an orange alert for alicante, northern Castellón, and southern Valencia coastal areas.
- The Generalitat Emergency Center activated Level 1 of the Flood Plan for the entire region.
- Universities including University of Alicante and Miguel Hernández University have suspended all face-to-face activities until further notice.
- municipalities affected include Alicante, Torrevieja, Benidorm, Elche, and many others that have halted outdoor activities and closures of parks and gardens.
Heavy Rainfall Forces Class Suspensions and Emergency Precautions in Comunitat Valenciana
As the new school year began under rainy skies on Monday,September 8,continued heavy rains and forecasts for even more precipitation on Tuesday,September 9,have caused multiple towns in the Comunitat Valenciana to take precautionary measures. These include suspending classes, closing parks and cemeteries, and canceling all outdoor activities to ensure public safety.
weather Alerts and Emergency Response
The Agencia estatal de Meteorología (Aemet) has issued an orange alert for Alicante province, the northern part of Castellón, and the southern coastal area of Valencia for Tuesday, indicating a high risk of heavy rain and potential flooding.
In response, the Centro de Emergencias de la Generalitat Valenciana has activated Level 1 of its Flood Plan across the entire Valencian Community, an early warning stage designed to prepare local authorities and emergency services for possible floods and dangerous conditions.
Educational Institutions Suspend Activities
Universities in the region have followed suit with timely measures:
- University of Alicante declared a red emergency level and suspended all on-campus,face-to-face university activities until further notice.
- Universidad Miguel Hernández (UMH) has imposed similar restrictions, halting all in-person sessions to safeguard students and staff.
Municipal Class Suspensions and Closures
Numerous towns have proactively suspended classes for Tuesday, alongside shutting down various public outdoor spaces:
| Municipalities | Measures Taken |
|---|---|
| Alicante | Class suspension; parks and gardens closed |
| Torrevieja | Class suspension; cancellation of outdoor activities |
| Benidorm | Class suspension and outdoor closures |
| Elche | Classes suspended; cemeteries and parks closed |
| Santa Pola, Crevillent, callosa de Segura | Class suspension; limited outdoor access |
| Other towns including Sant joan d’Alacant, El Campello, Cox, Teulada, almoradí, Redován, Rojales | Various restrictions and suspensions |
Why These Measures Are critically important
Heavy rainfall can easily cause hazardous conditions such as flooding, landslides, and slippery roads, especially in urban and coastal areas. Suspending classes and outdoor activities helps:
- Ensure the safety of students and citizens by reducing travel risks.
- Allow emergency services to operate without added strain during flood conditions.
- prevent accidents in public parks, gardens, and cemeteries which may become unsafe.
Stay Safe: Key Advice for Residents
- Follow official updates from Aemet and local emergency services.
- Avoid non-essential travel during periods of heavy rain.
- Do not enter flooded streets or parks; water levels can rise rapidly.
- Keep dialog devices charged and accessible.
- Check on vulnerable family members and neighbors regularly.
Looking Ahead
Authorities continue to monitor rainfall and weather conditions closely.Updates regarding class schedules, public service availability, and emergency plans will be shared promptly. residents are advised to stay informed and prepare for possible extended disruptions depending on the weather developments.
reported by ElPeriodic on September 8-9, 2024