Heavy rainfall across southern Spain has led to a significant surge in emergency calls and incidents, prompting urgent responses from local authorities. According to the Emergency Services 112, they have received over 1,267 calls related to the adverse weather conditions between Saturday afternoon and Monday at 5:50 PM, with the rainfall causing 803 reported incidents.
Specifically, the province of Málaga has been the hardest hit, with 35 incidents reported on Monday alone. The emergency management team has been closely monitoring water levels, particularly in riverbeds and streams, which can pose flood risks. For example, the Carraixet River showed no flow at Bétera by 11:00 AM, according to provincial firefighters. Records taken at various intervals throughout the day indicated fluctuated water levels across several locations.
A total of 70 alerts were issued by the 112 Andalucía service on the same day, primarily due to flooding concerns, particularly affecting secondary roads and properties susceptible to flooding. Notable affected areas included Ardales, El Burgo, Álora, and Ronda.
Authorities reported no significant property damage as yet, but several local incidents highlighted the risks, with roads facing landslides and water accumulation. The A-2003 road and areas around Los Cuartillos experienced blocked vehicles due to flooding. Local municipalities are still actively working to resolve these issues and keep roadways open for emergency vehicles.
To mitigate risks, the regional government activated ‘Es-Alert.’ This mass alert system informed roughly 57,500 residents across 26 municipalities of the extreme rain risk, advising them to avoid unnecessary travel and to stay alert during this significant weather event. Notifications were sent out both in Spanish and English to accommodate the diverse population. The municipalities with active emergency plans included Algatocín, Benalmádena, and Marbella, among others.
Weather forecasts indicate the downpours are expected to continue, with significant rainfall predicted for Almería, Cádiz, and the Mediterranean regions. The AEMET (State Meteorological Agency) maintains high alert levels for upcoming storms, emphasizing the need for caution as more rain is predicted through Thursday. Accumulations could exceed 100 liters per square meter within 12 hours, particularly impacting areas like southern Valencia and northern Alicante.
Residents are being urged to stay updated through local media and official channels as this weather event evolves. Emergency responders have advised against driving on secondary roads to reduce the risk of encountering flooded or blocked paths.
Overall, the combination of heavy rain and subsequent emergencies has underscored the importance of community preparedness and responsive emergency management during extreme weather events. The coordination among various provincial agencies showcases the proactive measures taken to protect citizens and address potential disaster scenarios effectively.