Severe weather hit the Murcia Region this weekend, leading to significant flooding and the disruption of daily life. On Sunday, March 2, heavy rainfall caused the Rambla de El Albujón to overflow, prompting emergency measures from local governments.
According to the Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (AEMET), the weather on March 2 was characterized by overcast skies with weak to moderate rain. The forecasts promised little temperature variation, with highs reaching only 15 degrees Celsius in major cities like Cartagena and Murcia. Even lower temperatures were observed elsewhere, such as 5 to 9 degrees Celsius in Caravaca de la Cruz and 5 to 10 degrees Celsius in Yecla, with winds blowing from the northeast at varying strengths.
The rainfall continued on Monday, March 3, with authorities predicting persistent showers throughout the region. By midnight on Sunday, some areas had already recorded over 100 mm of rainfall within 24 hours, raising concerns about the potential for flooding and other natural disasters.
People were advised to be cautious as cities began experiencing traffic disruptions and road closures. Reports indicated streets were flooded, and emergency services received numerous calls related to the adverse weather, with at least 39 urgent requests reaching the Centro de Coordinación de Emergencias because of incidents linked to rain and wind.
Key areas affected included Majorca, Cartagena, and Lorca, where authorities noted several roads were cut off due to flooding, including the Gran Vía in Murcia. Police recommended alternative transport routes for commuters as emergency personnel worked to clear the areas impacted by the rain.
"We are closely monitoring the situation and working with local governments to respond effectively to the flooding," said Fernando López Miras, President of the Murcia Region. This statement reflected the collaborative effort between the regional government and local authorities to manage the worsening weather conditions.
By late Sunday, efforts turned tragic when emergency services continued to search for a missing farmer who had reportedly been swept away by the swollen waters of the Rambla de Ramonete. Rescuers used drones and boats, but the rising water level complicated the search process.
Throughout the day, emergency responders faced several challenges, including blocked roads and downed power lines due to the heavy rain and strong winds. The municipality of Totana was particularly affected, with local authorities documenting cases of residential flooding on the Avenida de Lorca, resulting from rain accumulation.
Looking forward, the forecast for March 3 indicated conditions would continue to be severe as the region was placed under yellow and orange weather warnings by meteorological authorities. Predictions included the chance of rain reaching up to 20 mm within just one hour, particularly affecting the Campo de Cartagena, Mazarrón, Valle del Guadalentín, and Lorca.
Local officials and meteorologists emphasized the importance of staying indoors when possible and avoiding unnecessary travel, particularly near bodies of water. They urged residents to be prepared for potential evacuations if forecasts predicted worsening conditions.
Emergency services reported sustained efforts to normally manage traffic disruptions and respond to flooding situations, deploying teams across the affected areas. The community came together as local citizens banded together to assist those affected by the floods, sharing resources and offering shelter when necessary.
The situation has underscored the region’s vulnerability to severe weather, prompting conversations about infrastructure improvements and flood management systems to protect residents from future occurrences.
Authorities reassured the public about their readiness to handle the conditions, with López Miras stating, "All administrations involved are coordinated and working for the safety of the public." With more rain forecasted throughout the week, local governments and emergency services remained vigilant, preparing for any necessary actions to maintain community safety amid continued weather challenges.
Experts continue to monitor the climate, raising awareness about the potential impact of climate change on increasingly frequent severe weather events. The widespread flooding this weekend serves as another reminder of the importance of effective disaster preparedness and the need for community resilience.