The mobile phones of thousands of citizens have received the warning in the last few hours. ES-Civil Protection Alert due to the risk of torrential rain. The system, which displays a pop-up message with an alarm sound, has been activated coordinated in several communities in the face of an episode of very intense rainfall associated with DANA Alice.
In all cases, the notice urges the population to limit movements, avoid flood zones and heed official instructions. The objective of the mass mailing is shorten reaction times and reduce dangerous situations due to flash floods.
Where and when the warnings arrived in Catalonia
The Generalitat activated the ES-Alert in the early afternoon in the region of Montsia, subsequently extending it to Baix Ebre, Ribera d'Ebre, Baix Camp and TarragonèsThe message expressly asked avoid mobility, do not approach rivers, streams or ravines and call the 112 only in case of emergency.
Later, a new alert was sent to mobile phones on the coast and pre-coast. from Alcanar to Salou, reinforcing safety recommendations. The plan INNUCATED was activated and Meteocat raised the warning level to red in the south of Tarragona, with potential for very intense accumulations in a short time.
The southern coast of Alicante has a red alert and a message to mobile phones.
In the Valencian Community, Emergencies sent a ES-Alert to the southern coast of Alicante in view of the forecast of very heavy rainfall. The warning, accompanied by red level AEMET during the most critical time slot, warned of accumulations that can exceed 180 l/m² in 12 hours and the possibility of torrential downpours.
The text of the message insisted on do not cross flood zones, respect traffic closures and seek higher ground if you are in areas prone to flooding. The need to follow official channels and reserve 112 for real emergencies.
Murcia: ES-Alert in Los Alcázares due to risk of flooding of gullies
In the Region of Murcia, the General Directorate of Citizen Security and Emergencies activated the ES-Alert in the Los Alcázares area in the face of the risk of overflowing of the Ramblas of Las Colonias, La Maraña and El Albujón. The notification requested extreme caution and avoid any non-essential travel.
The authorities recalled that the alert message seeks alert immediately to those in the highest risk areas to take personal protective measures quickly and minimize exposure to floods.
Balearic Islands: Mobile alerts in Ibiza, Formentera, and parts of Mallorca
In the Pitiusas, alerts were sent to the telephones of Ibiza and Formentera, with the recommendation to avoid outdoor activities in case of very active storms and heavy rainfall. Shortly after, residents of the north, northeast and east of Mallorca They also received the ES-Alert, in parallel with the reactivation of the orange notice from AEMET due to very strong showers.
The messages reiterated self-protection guidelines: do not approach torrents nor low areas, avoid underground passages and, if water enters homes, go up to upper floors while requesting help through 112.
What is ES-Alert and how should you act if you receive it?
ES-Alert is the public announcement system Civil Protection that allows sending emergency messages to mobile phones in geolocated zones. No subscription or prior installation required: it appears on screen with a distinctive tone and top priority.
If you receive the notice, stop to read it carefully and follow the exact instructions which indicates. In general, it prioritizes your safety: do not enter channels, do not cross flooded areas by car, avoid basements and garages, and stay informed by official channels.
Key recommendations from the authorities
General guidelines shared in ES-Alert include avoid displacement, take extreme caution on the road, and do not enter rivers, streams, ravines or flood zonesIn any dangerous situation, call 112.
Also remember to prepare a small domestic self-protection: Move vehicles to safe areas, remove objects that can be dragged by the water, make sure your batteries are charged and stay alert to new notices if the weather situation persists.
With several ES-Alerts activated in parallel due to the torrential rains of DANA Alice, the administrations have focused the message on the prudence and minimal mobility, insisting that following the instructions in the mobile phone warning is the most effective way to reduce risks in episodes of very intense storms.
