Spanish universities suspend teaching after devastating floods

In the wake of devastating flooding confirmed to have killed at least 218 people in eastern Spain, universities in Valencia have suspended teaching and entered periods of mourning, while institutions in Barcelona have closed buildings amid severe weather warnings.

Almost a year’s worth of rain fell on the Valencia region in only eight hours last week, prompting deadly flash floods that trapped people in their homes and cars, left survivors without food, water or power and coated the streets in dense mud. Authorities have yet to confirm the number of people still missing, with prime minister Pedro Sánchez describing the floods as “the worst natural disaster in our country’s recent history”.

The Polytechnic University of Valencia subsequently suspended “all academic activity” until 10 November, detailing in a statement “the cancellation of classes in any format, exams, academic assignments, practical sessions or laboratories, as well as any activity organised by other institutions on our campuses”.

Because its three campuses escaped significant damage during the floods, facilities including the library, cafeteria and gym will remain open to provide “safe spaces” for those impacted, the university said. Staff members whose commute is “compromised or involves any risk” as a result of damaged transport networks as well as those with caring responsibilities may continue to work remotely, the institution added, while those who have suffered “personal or material damage” need not return to work at present.

The university has also launched a fundraising campaign, while students and staff are volunteering to distribute essential supplies and clean up after the destructive storm. In a statement directing donations to drop-off points across its three campuses, the institution said, “The most needed thing is shovels to remove the mud.”  

The University of Valencia has declared a period of official mourning until 8 November, with teaching suspended throughout the week; the university’s flags will fly at half mast, while “recreational and cultural activities” have been suspended and planned celebrations for the institution’s 525th anniversary have been pushed back to 2025.

When teaching resumes, the university will employ “exceptional flexibility measures” for both students and staff, among them the use of remote work where necessary, rescheduling of mandatory assignments and exams and the suspension of penalties for non-attendance. The institution will also provide free mental health services for those impacted by the flooding, and loan equipment such as laptops and wi-fi routers where needed.

Alongside issuing guidance for volunteers participating in the clean-up of the region, the University of Valencia has launched a project to provide legal and economic advice to those affected by the flooding, calling on staff with relevant expertise to join. Elsewhere, the university will help to restore locals’ water-damaged family photos, in a campaign organised by the Vice-Rectorate for Culture and Society and the Faculty of Art.

Flooding hit Barcelona on 4 November, with areas of Catalonia warned of “extreme danger” from torrential rain. With train lines temporarily suspended, the University of Barcelona suspended academic activity and closed all its buildings; a spokesperson told Times Higher Education that the campus had not sustained any damage. Other universities including the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, known as BarcelonaTech, Ramon Llull University and Pompeu Fabra University also temporarily suspended academic activity.  

emily.dixon@timeshighereducation.com