Seville is currently grappling with significant flooding due to intense rainfall from the storms Jana, Konrad, and Laurence that have hit the region in recent days. Authorities have reported that 19 rivers in Andalusia, including the Guadalquivir, are at red alert levels as water levels soar, causing widespread disruptions across the province. Public roads, such as the AP-4, which connects Las Cabezas de San Juan with Jerez de la Frontera, have been closed due to flooding, leading to severe traffic issues.
On March 18, 2025, rainfall caused the Guadalquivir River at Lora del Río to exceed its overflow threshold, reaching 32.75 meters above sea level. This alarming situation prompted the Seville City Council to activate the Emergency Plan, instigating a series of preventative measures. Mayor José Luis Sanz called on residents to remain calm while highlighting the seriousness of the flooding situation.
Tragically, on March 17, María Vizuete was reported missing along with her husband after their vehicle was swept away by floodwaters near Constantina. This morning, emergency teams recovered her body near the Guadalbácar stream following extensive search efforts, which included the deployment of a helicopter and specialized rescue teams. Search operations resumed on March 19 to locate her husband, who remains unaccounted for.
In the meantime, as flooding persists, public parks in Seville have closed, and three schools and an institute have suspended operations due to the rising waters of the Guadalquivir. The AP-4 highway has partially reopened after temporary closures, although this has done little to alleviate traffic congestion exacerbated by emergency road closures.
In the wake of Laurence's devastation, another storm, Martinho, is set to arrive, with meteorological forecasts predicting more widespread rain and potentially hazardous weather conditions across various regions. AEMET's alerts also extend to neighboring provinces, including Cádiz, Huelva, and Córdoba, urging residents to stay vigilant and report any emergencies to local authorities.
The situation is dire in many areas of Seville, where the waters have not only spilled over their banks but have begun to engulf lower-lying neighborhoods as well. The city officials have advised residents to evacuate from potentially flood-prone areas and to heed local emergency service recommendations, including relocating vehicles parked in at-risk locations.
The unfolding disaster has also affected numerous municipalities around Andalusia, with ongoing reports of rescues, road closures, and the continuing search for individuals reported missing. Moreover, the regions of Badajoz and Granada are experiencing significant flooding, with numerous roads shut down due to overflowing rivers.
In summary, while storm Laurence’s impact has initiated an extensive emergency response in Seville and surrounding areas, it is clear that the threat is ongoing as forecasted rainfall from Martinho looms on the horizon. Residents are once again being urged to prepare for the possibility of further flooding and to act according to guidelines provided by local emergency management agencies.
As the region braces for Martinho, the situation in Seville and greater Andalusia calls for coordinated responses from emergency services, community organizations, and governmental agencies to ensure the safety of residents amid this relentless barrage of severe weather.
