In short
A DANA (depresión aislada en niveles altos, popularly “gota fría”) is a weather pattern that can drop a huge amount of rain on the coast in a short time. Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa and the whole Vega Baja are low-lying, so water quickly gathers in streets, underground garages and roads. The main rule in the official guidance: follow the warnings, do not drive during an alert, do not go down into garages or basements, and never cross flooded stretches.
AEMET warning levels
The State Meteorological Agency AEMET issues warnings by area. For our coast, look at the “Litoral sur de Alicante” zone. The danger level is shown by colour:
| Level | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | Low danger, but vulnerable people and property in exposed places may be affected | Keep up with the forecast |
| Orange | Significant danger, serious impacts are possible | Be prepared and take precautions |
| Red | Extraordinary danger, very serious or catastrophic impacts are possible | Follow the authorities’ instructions and avoid travel unless strictly necessary |
Where to get alerts
The 112 Comunitat Valenciana service posts alerts and advice on 112cv.gva.es and in the official GVA 112 Avisos app. When there is a direct threat, the authorities send an ES-Alert: a message with a loud tone that reaches every phone in the danger zone, with no app needed. Listen to local radio and TV, trust only official accounts of public bodies and do not forward rumours. Call 112 only in a real emergency so the lines are not overloaded.
Prepare in advance
The Generalitat recommends doing this before the rainy season, not on the day of the alert:
- Find out whether your home and workplace are in a flood-prone area.
- Put together a first-aid kit and supplies for at least 3 days: water, non-perishable food, a torch, a radio, spare batteries and a phone charger.
- Know where to shut off the electricity, water and gas.
- Clear drainpipes and gutters, and store dangerous or toxic products up high.
- Plan a route home that does not flood and a safe parking spot on higher ground.
- If there are elderly or dependent people or pets nearby, decide in advance where and how to move them.
During an orange or red alert
- Close windows and doors and clear terraces and balconies.
- Work from home if you can. Do not drive unless it is strictly necessary.
- Unplug electrical appliances and move valuables and documents up high.
- If your car is parked in a flood-prone spot, move it before the rain starts.
- If you are already on the road: stay on main roads, slow down, do not stop where water is flowing and never cross fords or flooded stretches.
- Stay away from beaches, seafronts, riverbeds and wooded parks.
If the water has arrived
- Do not go down into basements, underground garages or lower floors. Do not try to rescue your car from an underground garage.
- Do not use the lift. Go to the upper floors.
- If the water in your car reaches the doors, leave the car and head to higher ground: your life is worth more.
- Do not stand on bridges or go near riverbeds and gullies: water rises very fast.
- If you leave home, switch off electricity, gas and water and lock windows and doors.
After the flood: compensation for damage
Inspect your home, check the utilities and follow the authorities’ health instructions. Photograph the damage before cleaning up. In Spain, flood damage is paid by the state-backed Consorcio de Compensación de Seguros, but only if you had a valid, paid-up insurance policy: for a home, a policy covering property (such as home or community multi-risk insurance); for a car, even compulsory third-party liability insurance is enough. Payment follows the terms of your own policy.
File the claim as soon as possible: by phone on 900 222 665 (service also in English and French), online on the Consorcio website, or through your insurer or broker.