The Comunidad de Madrid has significantly reduced the emergency level associated with its flood response plan, INUNCAM, to operational situation 0 as of March 24, 2025, following a meeting of the Plan's Advisory Committee. The decision by the Agencia de Seguridad y Emergencias de Madrid (ASEM 112) came after a period of intense rainfall that has plagued the region recently, marking one of the most severe weather events in 135 years.
This reduction in emergency status follows over 18 days of continuous rain, leading to operational situation 1 of the INUNCAM plan being active since March 5, 2025. During this period, ASEM 112 managed more than 907 incidents related to rain, snow, and wind, while the regional Fire Department initiated nearly 500 interventions, many related to flooding and falling trees.
Carlos Novillo, the Minister of Environment, Agriculture, and Interior of the Comunidad de Madrid, participated in the committee meeting and highlighted the ongoing monitoring of high river flows, which remain under careful observation even as the rains have ceased and no new weather warnings have been issued from AEMET. "Although localized floods may still occur, they can now be addressed using local or regional resources without requiring extraordinary measures," he stated.
Much of the focus is now on managing the water levels in regional reservoirs, which have reached historical highs. As of early March, the reservoirs controlled by the Canal de Isabel II were operating at an alarming capacity of 90%, up from 72.6% at the start of the month. Notably, on March 8, a significant peak was recorded, with water inflow documented at an average of 693.5 cubic meters per second, surpassing the previous record established in 1996.
Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida addressed concerns regarding the state of the Manzanares River, indicating it is currently "perfectly manageable" despite the recent storm's impact. Nonetheless, he urged vigilance, cautioning residents to avoid areas marked as dangerous and stay away from riverbanks due to anticipations of rising river levels from melting snow in the Sierra de Guadarrama in the coming days.
In a parallel development, Madrid City Council has similarly downgraded its flood response plan (PAINUNAM) from Emergency Phase to Alert and Monitoring Phase in operable situation 0. However, officials emphasize that the risk remains, and thorough monitoring will continue until normalcy is fully restored.
Recent weeks have seen extensive collaboration between municipal authorities and emergency services, including daily consultations with affected city mayors. These meetings aim to keep local officials informed about the evolving situation and facilitate the rapid response to incidents as they arise.
While there is cause for a controlled sense of relief following the cessation of the heavy rains, authorities are proceeding with measured caution. Emergence protocols remain in effect to prevent any potential flooding scenarios due to the impending thaw. Indeed, reports state that the risk of localized floods persists without full normalization expected for several days.
The community is being reminded to stay informed through official channels and avoid walking near flooded areas or traversing hazardous zones. Amid preparations for increased flows, emergency services also anticipate controlled water releases from dams to manage the expected influx while assuring public safety.
The recent conditions have led to the closure of notable public spaces due to safety concerns, including the Parque del Retiro, although efforts are underway to safely reopen these areas as conditions improve. As the region begins to transition back to regular operations, vigilance coupled with public communication is essential to navigate the complexities of these recent flooding events.
With preparations in mind for upcoming Holy Week, meteorological forecasts suggest an 80% probability of rain in Madrid, raising further questions about the stability of the current situation. The pattern of heavy rainfall underlines the necessity for ongoing preparedness within the community and all relevant agencies. Thus, it is crucial for residents to remain alert to potentially weather-related developments impacting their local landscapes.
In conclusion, although the reduction in emergency levels is welcome news for residents of Madrid, the situation remains dynamic. Officials urge everyone to adhere closely to safety recommendations and stay vigilant as the community continues to navigate the aftereffects of this unprecedented weather event.
