What to do in heavy rain and flooding (DANA)

How to stay safe during the autumn downpours on the Costa Blanca: warnings, dangerous places and who pays for the damage.

112 If a life is at risk, call 112 first: it is free, works without a SIM card and answers in English.

Steps

Follow official warnings: AEMET levels (yellow, orange, red), ES-Alert messages on your phone and the GVA 112 Avisos app. Do what Civil Protection tells you.
Do not drive or walk through flooded streets, fords, underpasses, dry riverbeds or gullies (ramblas, barrancos): the water is deeper and faster than it looks.
Do not go down to a garage or basement to move your car. Go to an upper floor.
If water rises around your car, get out and head for higher ground.
Keep your phone charged and have a torch, water and your medicines ready. Trust only official information.
If a life is in danger, call 112.
Afterwards, photograph the damage before cleaning up. Flood damage to insured property is paid by the Consorcio de Compensación de Seguros.

Say it in Spanish

Está entrando agua en casa. Necesitamos ayuda.

Water is coming into the house. We need help.

Who to call

Emergency services

112

Single emergency number

Emergencias 112

Emergency services

080

Fire brigade

Bomberos

Depends on the municipality. If you cannot get through, call 112.

Insurance

900 222 665

1 more phone

Consorcio: damage from floods, storms and other extraordinary events

Consorcio de Compensación de Seguros

This state body pays for damage from floods (DANA), storms or earthquakes if you have home or car insurance. The first number is free, Mon–Fri 9:00–18:00.