Severe flooding at the Rambla de El Albujón has prompted emergency alerts and intensive response efforts across southwestern Spain. The alarming situation unfolded on March 2, 2025, as the Dirección General de Emergencias activated the EsAlert system to notify the residents of Pozo Estrecho and surrounding areas about the imminent danger of overflowing waters.
At approximately 16:45, after receiving communication from the Confederación Hidrográfica del Segura, which indicated the river’s capacity was nearing 90 percent, the emergency alert was disseminated. Citizens received warnings on their mobile devices requesting them to avoid travel through the affected zones and to exercise extreme caution. The alert soon expanded to cover extensive areas along the Rambla de El Albujón, leading to serious public safety concerns.
Accompanying the emergency efforts, search operations were also underway for a missing 50-year-old man last seen near the Rambla de Ramonete. The individual, whose vehicle was confirmed to have been swept away by rising waters, departed from the main road onto unpaved paths prior to the flood. Efforts to locate him included teams from the local fire services and drone assistance from police.
“We are coordinating our search efforts with air and ground assets,” stated officials overseeing the rescue operations. “Despite having located his vehicle, we have yet to find any sign of the individual.” The current conditions in the flooded area, particularly around Los Curas and Puntas de Calnegre, have made the search increasingly difficult.
Meanwhile, nearby municipalities such as Totana and Cartagena have experienced significant weather-related incidents. Reports indicate more than 100 incidents resulting from the torrential rainfall throughout the region. A total of 154 emergency calls were logged by the Centro de Coordinación de Emergencias concerning traffic hazards, inundated roads, and debris obstructing transportation.
The alert stage escalated on account of the heavy precipitation affecting local infrastructure, prompting the authorities to cut off several roads, including the RM-D4 intersection at Mazarrón and the RM-F51 route from Pozo Estrecho to Torre Pacheco. Local officials continuously warned citizens to stay off the roads during this period of extreme weather.
“Se está produciendo el desbordamiento en la rambla de El Albujón. Eviten circular por la zona. Extremen la precaución,” relayed the Dirección General de Seguridad Ciudadana y Emergencias through the EsAlert notifications.
The adverse weather had been anticipated; the Aemet meteorological agency had previously declared yellow alerts for both the Valle del Guadalentín and the coastal areas of Murcia, prompting residents to heed precautionary measures throughout the inclement Sunday.
Authorities are continuing to monitor water levels and provide updates as conditions develop. The municipality of Lorca also activated the local emergency services to aid affected residents, stating they would provide psychological assistance to the families of the missing man.
Local governments have urged communities to refrain from using vehicles unnecessarily and to remain vigilant, advising them to travel primarily on major routes away from areas prone to floods. They have emphasized, “Circular, preferentemente, por carreteras principales y autopistas, alejándose de ríos, torrentes y zonas bajas de laderas y colinas, por poca agua que lleven.”
Efforts to support residents impacted by these events have also included coordinated responses from local emergency workers and provincial inspectors managing the incident's aftermath. Schools and community centers have been put on standby should additional emergency measures be necessary.
To compound the situation, water supply issues have arisen due to the floods, adversely affecting Mazarrón where pipe damage caused by the deluge has left many residents without drinking water. The service provider Aqualia has reported, “El suministro se intentará reestablecer a lo largo mañana, 3 de marzo,” underscoring the challenging circumstances facing the community.
With weather conditions remaining unpredictable, residents are advised to stay updated through official channels for any developments related to emergencies. Local authorities continue to strive for safety, working diligently to manage the situation amid continuous rainfall and possible exacerbation of current flood conditions.
Continued monitoring of river levels and weather forecasts will be pivotal as the situation progresses. The dangers posed by the intense weather events have been grave, with significant impacts on infrastructure, safety, and community well-being throughout the Murcia region.