As a precaution, crossings over the Gorgos river and the barranquera were closed. Credit: Joanbanjo / Creative Commons
The Gorgos river flowed through Gata de Gorgos on Sunday January 4 with an estimated depth of around 1.5 metres, and it was expected to reach the town of Javea shortly afterwards, according to local authorities.
Although the water flow tended to decrease slightly, the confluence with the barranquera’s outlet could have increased the volume and the risk of flooding. As a precaution, crossings over the Gorgos river and the barranquera were closed to ensure public safety.
Official safety warnings
Authorities urged residents to avoid areas near the river and barranquera, to exercise caution at level crossings, and to follow the instructions of emergency services, recalling standard safety advice during periods of heavy rainfall.
The weather forecast for Sunday and Monday indicated that the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) maintained rainfall warnings for the province of Alicante. Persistent showers were expected throughout Sunday, with cloudy skies and lighter rain on Monday. In parts of Marina Alta, an orange alert was issued for heavy rainfall, with possible accumulations of up to 100 l/m² in twelve hours, accompanied by storms and strong winds.
Improved flood prevention since the 2024 DANA
Following the DANA that struck Valencia in 2024, authorities strengthened flood prevention measures across the Valencian Community. River and barranco channels were inspected, emergency alert systems were improved, and emergency teams were deployed in high-risk areas.
Evacuation plans and safety protocols were updated, with greater coordination between town councils and regional services to ensure a faster response to potential flooding. Additional monitoring stations were also installed to track river and barranco water levels.
Public awareness and safety education
Public awareness has changed significantly since the 2024 DANA, with educational campaigns teaching residents how to respond during heavy rainfall and encouraging the use of mobile alerts for real-time warnings. Neighbours are reminded not to cross flooded rivers or barrancos and to keep evacuation routes clear.
Severe rainfall in Andalusia on Sunday January 4
Meanwhile, on Sunday January 4, several provinces in Andalusia experienced heavy rainfall, triggering orange and yellow alerts across different areas. Local road closures and minor river overflows were reported, with emergency services remaining on high alert for potential flash floods.
Storm Francis has brought widespread heavy rain across Andalucía on Sunday 4 January, with the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) issuing orange alerts for intense rainfall in the provinces of Cádiz and Málaga, where accumulations of up to 80 litres per square metre were expected within 12 hours. Yellow warnings were also in place for the Levante area of Almería as the storm system moved eastwards, continuing to deliver persistent showers and the risk of thunderstorms throughout the southern region.
Local authorities escalated the situation further in Málaga, where red rainfall warnings were declared and emergency Es‑Alert messages were sent to residents’ mobile phones due to forecasts of up to 120 litres per square metre in some districts. Civil protection services and regional government officials urged people to avoid unnecessary travel, respect flood warnings, and remain vigilant as rivers and urban drainage systems struggled with the ongoing downpours triggered by the storm.