Storm DANA Alice Leaves Widespread Flooding Across Eastern Spain
Heavy rain and strong winds from DANA Alice have swept across eastern Spain over the past two days, bringing severe flooding, road closures, and damage across the regions of Murcia and Alicante. Although the worst has now passed, orange weather alerts remain in place as the storm continues to move northeast toward the Valencia region and the Balearic Islands.
Flooding and road closures
The Murcia Region was among the worst-affected areas, with torrential rain leaving many streets underwater and some roads impassable. The towns of Los Alcázares and San Javier were particularly hard hit, where Civil Protection issued emergency alerts warning residents to avoid unnecessary travel. Several sections of the AP-7 and RM-F26 roads were temporarily closed due to flooding, and local traffic police advised drivers to stick to main routes and avoid low-lying areas.
Emergency crews worked through the night to assist residents trapped in vehicles and clear flooded roads. By Saturday afternoon, cleanup operations were well underway, but many streets remained waterlogged and covered in mud and debris.
In Alicante province, similar scenes were reported around Orihuela Costa, Torrevieja, and Pilar de la Horadada, where underground garages and basements filled rapidly with water. Local authorities deployed extra staff to manage traffic and help pump out flooded properties.
Regional response and official statements
Murcia’s regional president, Fernando López Miras, said that despite the severity of the storm, “there have been no serious incidents thanks to the quick and coordinated response of emergency teams.” He praised local firefighters, police, and Civil Protection units for their “tireless work” during the night and confirmed that the regional emergency coordination centre (112) had received more than 600 calls since Friday afternoon, October 10.
López Miras urged residents to remain cautious and to “avoid unnecessary journeys until the water levels subside,” adding that crews would continue working throughout the weekend to restore normal conditions. The regional government also reminded the public not to attempt to drive or walk through flooded areas, as even shallow moving water can be dangerous.
What is a DANA?
A DANA, short for Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos, is a weather phenomenon that occurs when a pocket of cold air becomes isolated high in the atmosphere. When it moves over the warm Mediterranean, it can unleash heavy rainfall and storms that linger over the same area for hours. These events are common in Spain’s southeast during autumn, often leading to flash floods due to the dry terrain and limited drainage systems.
The storm’s next path
According to Spain’s national weather agency (AEMET), DANA Alice is now shifting toward Valencia, Castellón, and the Balearic Islands, where it is expected to bring more rain and thunderstorms throughout Saturday and Sunday. Orange and yellow alerts remain active, with rainfall potentially exceeding 40mm in an hour and gusts reaching 80 km/h in coastal areas.
Residents in these regions are advised to keep an eye on local updates, avoid driving through flood-prone zones, and secure outdoor items that could be blown away by strong winds. The Balearic Islands, including Mallorca and Ibiza, are forecast to see intense downpours and lightning later in the day.
11/10 13:06 Avisos activos hoy y mañana en España por lluvias, tormentas y costeros. Nivel máximo de aviso: naranja.
— AEMET (@AEMET_Esp) October 11, 2025
Actualizaciones en https://t.co/BLdoSsO2Qv pic.twitter.com/jFjuOJ3jF4
Cleanup and recovery
While skies are expected to clear gradually from Sunday, October 12, the aftermath of DANA Alice will take several days to recover from. Streets, parks, and seafronts in Los Alcázares and other coastal towns remain covered in mud and standing water. Local councils have begun assessing damage to infrastructure, and several schools and public buildings will undergo inspections before reopening on Monday.
Emergency services continue to work around the clock, pumping out flooded basements, clearing blocked drains, and supporting residents affected by the storm. Authorities stress the importance of remaining cautious, as waterlogged ground and unstable roads may still pose risks even after the rain stops.
For many along Spain’s Mediterranean coast, DANA Alice has served as another reminder of how quickly autumn weather can turn severe, and how vital it is to stay alert when heavy rain is forecast.
Emergency Contacts and Information
For residents affected by DANA Alice and ongoing flooding, here are key numbers and resources:
Spain – National Emergency Services
- Dial 112 – For urgent emergencies including floods, rescues, and medical assistance (available 24/7).
Murcia Region
- Protección Civil Murcia: +34 968 358 172
- Ayuntamiento de San Javier – Emergency Info: +34 968 170 010
- Ayuntamiento de Los Alcázares – Emergency Services: +34 968 575 400
Valencia Region
- Cecopal (Centro de Coordinación Operativa Local): +34 963 884 400
- Emergencias Generalitat Valenciana: 112
Balearic Islands
- Emergencias Islas Baleares: 112
- Mallorca Civil Protection: +34 971 213 000
Useful Safety Guidance
- Avoid driving or walking through flooded streets.
- Stay away from rivers, streams, and drainage channels during heavy rainfall.
- Follow local authorities’ updates via official websites, social media, and the AEMET weather alerts: https://www.aemet.es/en/eltiempo/prediccion/mapa
- Keep emergency supplies handy, including water, food, and essential medications.
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