Catalonia faces education strikes and extreme rain alerts

Catalonia is facing a dual crisis involving labor unrest in the education sector and an extreme weather emergency. President Salvador Illa has called for a “truce” from teachers' unions during a strike, emphasizing that the right to strike must be compatible with the right to education. He also announced a forthcoming plan to address high temperatures in classrooms, noting that many school buildings date back to before 1965.

Simultaneously, the Generalitat has implemented drastic emergency measures due to a red alert for torrential rainfall. Educational activities, including universities, have been suspended in several regions, including Vallès Occidental, Baix Llobregat, Garraf, and the Penedès areas.

Authorities have activated the Inuncat flood emergency plan, restricted non-essential mobility, and encouraged teleworking. Meteorologists warn of extreme precipitation levels, with some areas potentially receiving over 40 liters per square meter in just 30 minutes. The emergency measures include the suspension of non-urgent healthcare services and social services for the elderly and people with disabilities.