Spain on High Alert: Torrential Rains Threaten Again

Spain is facing yet another wave of torrential rains and storms, weeks after floods hit Valencia and other regions. Authorities have issued red alerts for certain areas, urging evacuations and school closures. Criticism follows botched responses to October's floods, and strained local resources brace for potential damage.

Spaniards are on edge as more heavy rains and storms loom, just a fortnight after deadly floods struck Valencia and elsewhere, claiming over 200 lives and devastating properties.

The national weather agency AEMET has placed red alerts on Wednesday for eastern Tarragona and southern Malaga, anticipating up to 180 millimetres of rainfall, heightening risks of river overflow and flash floods. Orange alerts are also issued for southern Granada and the coastal region of Valencia from Denia to Sagunto.

Strong winds and high seas are expected in areas like Tarragona, Barcelona, and Murcia, prompting authorities to evacuate 3,000 residents near Malaga's Guadalhorce River. School classes and public transport services, including metro lines and highways in Malaga, Valencia, and Catalonia, face suspensions.

(With inputs from agencies.)