Week in News: From Heatwaves to Heavy Storms
Bon dia. Here is your Monday weekly news update. The summer heat is giving way to rain this week. AEMET has issued an orange alert for heavy rain, high winds, and possible hailstorms. Please take extra care on the roads.
Is Valencia Ready for DANA Season?
The end of summer marks the return of DANA storms. Last year’s catastrophic floods on October 29 killed more than 200 people, most of them in L’Horta Sud. Many residents remain anxious that Valencia is still unprepared. Some schools in the flood zone are opening in prefabricated classrooms as repairs drag on, reports Levante.
While emergency protocols have been updated, questions remain about how quickly alerts will reach residents. Last year’s mobile phone warning came too late for many evacuations. Mayor María José Catalá has promised an emergency siren for La Torre, notes Las Provincias.
More reading in English:
State Funeral Planned
On October 29, Valencia will hold a state funeral at the City of Arts and Sciences to honor flood victims. King Felipe, Queen Letizia, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and Generalitat President Carlos Mazón are expected to attend, reports Las Provincias.
Public anger remains strong, with monthly protests against Mazón’s leadership. Journalist Maribel Villaplana — who dined with him at the peak of the crisis, when he’s accused of ignoring emergency calls — published an open letter on Sunday defending her role.
More reading in Spanish:
Roig Arena’s Grand Opening
Valencia society turned out in style on Saturday for the debut of the Roig Arena. Funded by Mercadona founder Juan Roig, the venue is designed for major sports and entertainment events, with cutting-edge sound and lighting, reports Las Provincias.
More viewing in Spanish:
Police Alert for Gunmen and a Brawl in Colon
Police are on alert across L’Horta Sud after a spate of shootings—though investigators say the incidents are unrelated. In Alfafar, a man already wanted for aiding a prison escape was shot. On Thursday, another man was gunned down in a suspected revenge attack. An earlier Alfafar murder is now believed to be the work of a jealous ex-convict. Police were also called in to break up a violent brawl in the central shopping area of Colon. Outbreaks of violence by gangs have increased in the Bailen neighborhood and the city center recently.
More reading in Spanish:
- Police Search for Three Gunmen – Las Provincias
- Three Arrested for Riot in City Center – Las Provincias
Ryanair Cuts Spanish Routes
Budget airline Ryanair will cancel several routes across Spain this winter, citing “excessive and uncompetitive” airport fee increases. Airports affected include Vigo and Tenerife North, reports the Independent.
Valencia’s Housing Rush
The city has plans for nearly 8,000 new homes across tower blocks in El Grau and Benimaclet, reports Las Provincias. In Malilla, meanwhile, a handful of traditional country homes still stand amid cranes and new construction.
More reading in Spanish:
The Big Business of Racing Pigeons
Three prize racing pigeons—Joker, Gran Capitán, and Sordo—worth a combined €170,000 were stolen last week and remain missing. Las Provincias reports on the high-stakes world of Valencia’s competitive pigeon racing.
That’s all for this week’s update. I’ll be back on Thursday with weekend highlights, including new music and food events. Don’t forget to check the City Calendar for what’s coming up this week.
Me encanta!!!??
Another terrific news round up well written and perfect for ex-pats. Great work!
Muchísimas gracias!