Devastating flooding has hit eastern Spain, hitting Valencia and Barcelona just a week after the catastrophic flooding in Valencia. The events highlight a complex issue involving the coordination of regional and national authorities in responding to disasters.
Flooding in Valencia has left at least 27 people dead and caused extensive damage. Shocking footage shows vehicles swept away by powerful floodwaters. Similar extreme weather conditions have been reported in other parts of the country, including Malaga.
Barcelona is currently on high alert, facing heavy rainfall and significant disruption. The Catalan government has issued a red alert, urging residents and visitors to avoid travel due to flooded roads, delayed rail services and severe impacts on Barcelona's El Prat airport. Airport operations were severely disrupted by flight cancellations and diversions, with parts of the terminal and car parks flooded.
The response to the disaster has been met with fierce criticism. Valencia regional leader Carlos Mazón has faced fierce criticism after he was slow to respond to severe weather warnings from Spain's national meteorological agency (AEMET). Mazón waited around 12 hours before issuing a public warning, too late to prevent significant damage. This, along with his controversial decision last year to disband the region's emergency unit, has led to calls for his resignation.
The crisis has highlighted serious failures in communication and coordination mechanisms. Alberto Núñez Feijóo, national leader of the Popular Party, has criticised AEMET's handling of the situation and accused the central government of insufficient coordination with regional authorities. Mazón has defended his actions, blaming the hydrological authority (CHJ) for failing to maintain an active hydrological warning, a claim the CHJ disputes, which monitors rainfall and water levels but leaves public warnings to the government. There have also been allegations that Mazón failed to properly request military assistance, further complicating the situation.
The flood response in Valencia has been bolstered by increased resources, including 15,000 military, militia and police personnel, double the number deployed last weekend. However, criticism remains. The events highlight the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness, rapid communication and effective coordination between different levels of government to better manage the risks of extreme weather in Spain. Increased resource allocation and better response protocols are needed.