DANA is expected to bring torrential rainfall in Spain’s Catalunya. Emergency phone alerts are issued.

Residents of Catalunya were sent an alert on their phones to prepare for the torrential DANA that is expected to hit the region. 

The message sent by Catalan Civil Protection was sent at 2.30pm local. It reads: “CECAT – Risk of flooding until 9pm due to torrential downpour.” Avoid travelling and outdoor activities. Avoid areas with low lying or flooding, such as basements and low-lying rivers. When water gets inside, you should go to higher levels. “In case of an emergency, dial 112.”

The state meteorological agency AEMET has issued a “red weather warning” for the area, which means a serious risk to human life.

Although initial warnings were orange and yellow, the forecast has deteriorated significantly, with Meteocat, Catalunya’s weather service, issuing a Level 5 and Level 6 warning – the highest level possible.

As severe thunderstorms move in, localised rainfall can reach up to 40 litres/square metre.

Aragon already has a red alert for weather.

Residents fear a repeat of last year’s devastating scenes in Valencia where intense flooding killed 232 people, making it one of the worst natural disasters to hit Spain. 

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