Red Alert in Ribera del Ebro as DANA Hits

Severe storms brought on by a DANA, a high-altitude weather system, have caused widespread flooding and disruption across parts of Spain. The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) issued a red alert late Friday night, July 11, for the Ribera del Ebro region in Aragón, warning of dangerous rain and storm conditions. People were urged to avoid travelling, and to stay away from basements and low-lying areas.

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Flooding and Damage in Tarazona and Surrounding Areas

In the Zaragoza province, towns like Tarazona, Pedrola and Grisén were among the worst affected. In just one hour, up to 100 litres of rain per square metre fell, flooding streets, garages, shops and homes. Emergency services in Tarazona and the Moncayo area handled over 30 storm-related incidents including fallen trees and blocked roads.

Local authorities activated Aragón’s emergency weather plan, and later raised it to Level 2 as conditions worsened. Firefighters and council workers spent the early hours clearing debris and helping residents pump out floodwater. ‘We knew the storm was coming, but the speed and intensity caught us off guard,” said Tarazona’s mayor, Tono Jaray. “The damage is significant.’

Military Emergency Unit Deployed to Help

As the storm intensified, the Military Emergency Unit (UME) was deployed to assess the worst-hit areas and assist with clean-up. Teams were sent to several towns along the Ribera Alta del Ebro, including Pedrola, Figueruelas, Grisén, Pleitas and Bárboles. Their role is to support local efforts and step in with extra resources when needed.

Hundreds Evacuated from Summer Camps in Burgos

In northern Burgos, around 400 people, mainly children attending summer camps, had to be evacuated due to heavy rain and hail. Campgrounds in areas like Nela and Loma de Montija quickly became inaccessible, and the Guardia Civil coordinated the evacuations to nearby sports halls.

One of the camps in Nela was home to 186 children aged 8 to 16, along with their adult supervisors. They were safely moved to a sports facility in Villarcayo for the night. Another group of 140 children was moved from Loma de Montija, where access was more difficult. Authorities reassured families that all the children were safe and well looked after.

¡Situación muy complicada en puntos del norte y nordeste de la #PenínsulaIbérica! No son las típicas #tormentas de #verano. Son condiciones potencialmente adversas y peligrosas asociadas a una #DANA. Escenas captadas hoy sábado (12/07/2025) en diferentes puntos de nuestro país. pic.twitter.com/6miMnz39WX

— MeteOrihuela (@MeteOrihuela) July 12, 2025

Power Cuts and Road Closures

The storm caused several power outages. More than 600 residents in Boquiñeni and Pradilla were left without electricity for several hours overnight. Roads were also badly affected— the A-22 motorway near Pedrola was closed in both directions, and several rural roads remained flooded.

In Grisén, eight people had to be rescued from ground-floor homes and vehicles. In many towns, the clean-up continued throughout Saturday, July 12, as residents cleared mud and water from homes and businesses.

Events Cancelled and Train Services Suspended

In Pamplona, parts of the San Fermín festival were cancelled due to the storms. Although some events, like the fireworks, were eventually held, others like the ‘toro de fuego’ and concerts were called off.

The situation also affected train services across Cataluña. RENFE suspended all routes, including high-speed and regional trains, due to flooding. Stations were closed to prevent overcrowding, and no alternative transport could be arranged. The company said services would resume once conditions improve.

Ongoing Weather Warnings Across the Country

Although the red alert in Aragón was lifted on Saturday afternoon, orange and yellow warnings remain in place across many parts of Spain. AEMET warn of the continued risk of heavy rain, hail, and strong wind in regions like Huesca, Teruel, Cataluña and Valencia. Some hailstones were reported to be as large as two centimetres.

The Ebro River Basin Authority warned of possible sudden rises in river levels and flash flooding in dry ravines. Civil Protection teams urged people to remain cautious, follow official updates, and avoid flood-prone areas if more rain falls.

¡Qué barbaridad! Hoy sábado (12/07/2025), muestra del tamaño del #granizo asociado a una #tormenta que ha descargado en #LaVilavella o #Villavieja (#Castellón). Presencia de una #DANA (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos) interaccionando con un #MarMediterráneo tropicalizado. https://t.co/cMInU6ZzJP

— MeteOrihuela (@MeteOrihuela) July 12, 2025

Government Response and What to Expect Next

The regional government in Aragón continues to monitor the situation closely. Emergency coordination meetings have been taking place to assess damage and coordinate support. ‘We’re doing everything we can to keep people safe and restore normality,’ said Roberto Bermúdez de Castro, Aragón’s Minister of the Interior.

Sunday is expected to bring some improvement, though isolated storms are still possible, especially in northeastern areas. AEMET predicts clearer skies in many parts of the country, but the risk of localised storms remains, particularly in mountain regions.

Main image: Ministerio de Defensa España