Castilla-La Mancha has recently activated maximum alerts as a fierce storm has wreaked havoc across the region, with the government reporting a staggering 212 incidents as of March 22, 2025. This critical situation has called for emergency measures and widespread public notifications as rivers overflow their banks, posing significant risks to residents.
The PRICAM plan, which was initiated on March 8, 2025, has become pivotal in managing the ongoing crisis. The Minister of Finance, Juan Alfonso Ruiz Molina, led a crucial meeting at the 1-1-2 Service on March 22 to assess the current emergency. "No podemos bajar la guardia: el río es impredecible," Ruiz Molina warned, emphasizing the hazards posed by the unpredictable nature of the rising rivers.
On Saturday morning, at precisely 9:06 AM, residents from several towns, including Santa Cruz de Retamar, Hormigos, El Casar de Escalona, Escalona, Cardiel de los Montes, and Cazalegas, received urgent notifications through the Es-Alert system. The message warned of the potential overflow of the Alberche river, which has been fueled by ongoing rainfall and water discharge from upstream reservoirs. The alerts extended to residents in Talavera and Toledo, advising them to avoid flood-prone areas and to seek higher ground should the waters continue to rise.
As a precaution, emergency teams have been busy evacuating families in the affected municipalities. Schools in Talavera have cancelled afternoon classes at four institutions due to safety concerns. Meanwhile, roads in Guadalajara are under siege from mudslides and pools of water, further complicating travel and response efforts.
Despite the challenges, Ruiz Molina has reported that the situation remains "estable dentro de la emergencia," indicating a cautious balance amid the chaos. Emergency accommodation has been set up in albergues across Escalona, Santa Cruz de Retamar, Talavera, and Loranca de Tajuña, ensuring that those displaced by flooding have a place to stay.
The night leading into March 22 was marked by a tense calm as authorities continued their watch. With the iconic Roman bridge in Talavera closed and parks like Madre de la Esperanza rendered inaccessible, residents have been urged to remain vigilant. In a statement that stressed the seriousness of the situation, Ruiz Molina noted, "Cada llamada al 112 debe ser urgente: saturar el sistema pone vidas en juego," which translates to "Every call to 112 must be urgent: overwhelming the system puts lives at risk."
In light of ongoing forecasts predicting more rain in the coming hours, the regional government has scheduled another meeting on March 23, 2025, to reevaluate the crisis and determine further actions. As the emergency unfolds, the recommendations for residents remain crystal clear: avoid riverbanks, park far from flood zones, and stay informed about road conditions before traveling.
"Esto no ha terminado," Ruiz Molina concluded, indicating the storm’s lingering threat still looms over Castilla-La Mancha as emergency personnel continue to battle the elements.
