Storm Gabrielle has put Valencia, Castellón and Tarragona on red alert this Monday for torrential rains that could drop more than 180 litres of water per square metre in a few hours.
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Valencia is once again on high alert this Monday for heavy rain, according to the red alerts issued by the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet).
At 9:00 am this morning, the provinces of Tarragona, Castellón and Valencia were at extreme risk of rainfall that could accumulate up to 180 litres per square metre in just a few hours.
On Sunday afternoon, Valencians received an emergency alert on their mobile phones from the Civil Protection agency, sent through the ES-Alert system. They warned of extreme danger that, in some areas, could last until midnight on Monday and Tuesday.
So what precautionary measures should you take to minimise the risks?
What should you do in the event of extreme rainfall?
The authorities insist that, in a red alert situation, the safest thing to do is to avoid unnecessary travel. The Civil Protection agency says that people should stay at home unless there are exceptional circumstances.
It adds that under no circumstances should you try to cross flooded areas, streets or tunnels, as they can become death traps in a matter of seconds, as happened during the deadly DANA storm of 29 October 2024.
It also warns of the danger of approaching rivers, ravines and low-lying land. Even if they are not flooded at the moment, these areas can suddenly burst their banks due to the accumulation of water in high areas. If you live in a particularly vulnerable area, it is recommended that you move to higher floors of your home or to safe high ground.
Before the rains come, prepare your home. Checking drains, gutters and downpipes to facilitate water drainage can prevent flooding in houses and garages.
It is also advisable to avoid parking in areas at risk of flooding and to keep evacuation routes clear. In the event of an emergency, citizens should call 112 and follow the instructions of the emergency teams at all times.
In addition, in the warning message sent to Valencians on Sunday, the authorities insisted on the importance of using your phone responsibly. They reminded people to avoid unnecessary calls so as not to saturate the lines and to ensure that the emergency services can quickly attend to those who really need them.
Finally, it is advisable to prepare an emergency kit in case the need arises.
