In the early afternoon, thousands of phones in the province rang in unison; in response to these calls, it is crucial to know mobile coverage problems: at 14:47 a message was released ES-Civil Protection Alert for flood risk on the southern coast of Alicante. The warning, which is part of the episode of the Dana Alice, activates all emergency protocols in the southernmost coastal strip of the province.
According to the notification, the critical section begins this Friday at 10:00 and will last until midnight, with very intense storms and significant accumulations. Authorities ask people to avoid travel, do not cross flood zones and assess communication alternatives, such as satellite connectivity, and follow official instructions at all times.
This is the notice sent to mobile phones and what areas it reaches
The mass message clearly urges to take self-protection measures: avoid unnecessary travel, do not approach riverbeds or ravines, respect traffic closures and, if you are in a flood zone, climb to high floors or seek elevated levels. It is also remembered to use 112 in emergencies and tools such as Google Maps to follow alerts.
The alert has reached coastal terminals and nearby areas in the south of the province, including Alicante capital and municipalities such as Novelda or TorreviejaThe Generalitat's Emergency Coordination Centre (CCE-GV) maintains the red level active in the regions of l'alacantÃ, Baix Vinalopó and Vega Baja, in direct contact with the city councils to adjust resources.
After the meeting at the CCE, the Minister of Emergencies and the Interior, Juan Carlos Valderrama, explained that the number of personnel has been sized in response to the red alert scenario and that mayors have been contacted. Given the evolution of the flood, a special notice to the entire Community if instability moves north again in the coming days.
Current weather warnings and forecasts
The State Meteorological Agency has decreed red notice on the southern coast of Alicante this Friday, between the 10:00 and 24:00, due to rainfall that could leave up to 60 l/m² in one hour and 180 l/m² in twelveThe advection also affects northern Murcia, where the situation is equally delicate.
There is also orange notice on the north coast of Alicante and the south coast of Valencia from 11:00 on Thursday until midnight on Friday, with probable accumulations of up to 140 l/m² in 12 hoursThe interior of Alicante remains in yellow notice by 60 l/m² in 12 hours during the early morning and the day on Friday.
The Government delegate, Pilar Barnabas, has influenced the vulnerability of the Vega Baja due to its gullies and rapids, asking for maximum caution during the long weekend. It is recommended restrict movement, move vehicles to safe locations, review home insurance and increase vigilance in areas with a history of flooding.
Rainfall already recorded and incidents
The episode has started with a bang. In just over an hour, local network stations have measured 91 l/m² in Relleu y 72 l/m² in Orxeta, with more than 60 l/m² in observatories such as Santa Pola. In Alicante capital, the coastal and southern neighborhoods have been around 25–30 l/m², with less incidence towards the interior.
In the Marina Baixa, the amadorio river has experienced a rapid increase in flow in Orxeta, a reflection of stationary nuclei that discharge persistently. The recommendation is to stay away from low water channels and passages.
The firefighters of the Provincial Consortium have attended around 70 performances, especially in Elche and Orihuela, due to pumping out basements and garages, leaks, and vehicles stuck in ponds of water. In the city of Alicante, municipal firefighters have handled around 75 notices with similar characteristics.
Alicante airport has recorded 19 incidents in an operation of 375 flights: seven detours (two to Malaga, Madrid and Palma and one to Ibiza) and twelve cancellations (six arrivals and their corresponding departures), according to Aena data in the early afternoon.
Closures, suspensions and changes in activity
The south of the province has begun to take preventive measures. In the Baix Vinalopo, the town councils of Elche y crevillent Institutional events and outdoor events have been cancelled. In Elche, the Cecopal (active since Wednesday) scheduled a meeting at 17:00 p.m. in Crevillent, at 18:00 p.m., to assess additional measures. Fireta del Camp d'Elx is postponed, and the Oasis Elche Music Fest has announced its cancellation for security reasons.
En Benidorm, with the expected red level, the City Council has suspended the activity and teaching in the city since 00:00 on Friday municipal early childhood centers and outdoor sports practices, in addition to recommending avoiding travel and following official channels.
At the university level, the University of Alicante (UA) has suspended all in-person activity for the duration of the emergency, moving classes and services to online format and consulting the emergency traffic light of the institution. The Miguel Hernandez University (UMH) has also activated level 4 and has paralyzed face-to-face activity on its campuses in Elx, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Altea and Orihuela.
City Council Alicante has established preventive measures: closure of municipal facilities, suspension of appointments and events, reinforcement of Local Police and Firefighters, surveillance in ravines and rural areas and activation of the device for the homeless. In the cultural chapter, the festival Rock and roll, which was scheduled to be held at the Rabasa Multispace, has been cancelled due to the weather.
Safety recommendations and how to act
Before a red notice, rainfall can be very intense in a short period of time and cause flash floods. It is advisable to be extremely cautious and apply these basic guidelines self-protection:
- Avoid travel And if you must drive, check the condition of the roads and do not cross ponds or riverbeds.
- Stay away from flood zones, ravines, gullies, tunnels, and underpasses; seek out high ground if necessary.
- Do not perform activities on the banks of rivers or ravines and always respect the cuts and signs.
- Stay informed by official channels (112, Aemet, town councils, CCE-GV) and avoid rumors or unverified chains.
- In case of emergency, call 112 and makes it easier to locate you; avoid unnecessary calls that clog up the lines.
With the ES-Alert activated, the weather warnings in force and the first incidents on the table, the priority is to reduce exposure to risk: limit travel, protect vulnerable assets and follow the instructions of the authorities while the Dana Alice leave the worst of the rains on the southern coast of Alicante.
