Spain Shuts Schools, Public Spaces Amid Rising Flood Risk

Authorities across Spain have closed schools and public spaces as torrential rains and storm warnings raise fears of renewed flooding in several regions already battered by severe weather.

The Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has placed parts of the country under orange and red alerts, forecasting heavy downpours, flash floods, and strong winds.

Local officials in provinces such as Valencia, Málaga, Tarragona, and Alicante ordered preventive closures of schools, parks, libraries, and cultural centers to protect residents and reduce movement in vulnerable areas.

In Valencia, where deadly floods struck just weeks ago, cleanup efforts remain incomplete, leaving infrastructure strained as fresh storms approach. Municipalities including El Campello, Cox, and Santa Pola announced a suspension of classes, while Málaga authorities reported river overflows that forced some families to evacuate.

Emergency services are on high alert, with fire brigades, police, and civil protection units mobilised to clear drainage systems and monitor rising water levels. Officials warned that rainfall could exceed 100 to 180 millimetres in a matter of hours in some areas, intensifying the risk of flash floods.

The disruption has left thousands of students out of classrooms and residents unable to access key public facilities. Transport networks also face delays, with several roads already inundated.

Spain has endured a series of extreme weather events in recent months, underscoring concerns over climate resilience.

Local governments have urged caution, asking citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and to stay indoors until alerts are lifted.

As forecasts indicate that the heavy rains may continue, pressure is mounting on regional and national authorities to accelerate efforts to strengthen flood defences and upgrade infrastructure to withstand increasingly volatile weather.