DANA Alice: Red Alert Triggers Evacuations in Cartagena

The weather anomaly dubbed DANA 'Alice' has triggered a red alert this Friday in the Region of Murcia, notably in the Campo de Cartagena and Mazarrón, with the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) forecasting up to 180 l/m² and intense bursts of rain of up to 60 l/h in some areas.

Cartagena City Hall has ordered the evacuation of residents in Villas Caravaning, Bahía Bella and La Algameca Chica, and has also evacuated workers at the Navantia shipyard near the Benipila rambla. A bus moved 27 people to the Cabezo Beaza sports hall, which serves as a shelter and has around fifty beds staffed by Civil Protection and social services teams.

In total, municipal resources and partner organisations have accommodated 35 people, most from Villas Caravaning. Mayor Noelia Arroyo convened emergency meetings with local police, firefighters and civil protection, requested Guardia Civil support and remains in contact with the regional president, who offered additional resources if needed.

Storms and heavy rain have prompted warnings across 11 provinces, with Alicante and Murcia at red alert and orange warnings affecting parts of Valencia and the Vega del Segura. Emergency services report they have handled nearly 200 incidents related to the storm so far, with no serious casualties reported.

Local authorities have suspended classes and many municipal services, halted in-person administration and temporarily suspended paid parking (ORA). Several roads are closed and an interactive map is available to monitor affected routes; drivers are urged to avoid travel, not to ford flooded roads and to follow safety guidance from emergency teams.