On March 22, 2025, Spain faces a rising hydrological crisis as Storm Martinho continues to exert its influence on the region's reservoirs and infrastructure. The Confederación Hidrográfica del Tajo reported a significant escalation, increasing the number of red alert reservoirs to 25, indicating an alarming hydrological risk, particularly for flood-prone areas.
The severity of the situation has prompted 19 reservoirs to significantly release water as they manage the overwhelming overflow from the relentless storms. Notably, in the Comunidad de Madrid, the San Juan reservoir is discharging water at an impressive rate of 344 cubic meters per second, while the Picadas reservoir follows closely with 349 cubic meters per second. Additionally, El Pardo continues to release at 50 cubic meters per second, highlighting just how critical water management has become during this weather event.
The situation extends beyond Madrid, with reservoirs across the region contributing to the flood risk. For instance, in Guadalajara, the Beleña reservoir is releasing 123 cubic meters per second, while Alcorlo follows with 40 cubic meters per second. In Ávila, Charco del Cura reaches 227 cubic meters per second and Burguillo 190 cubic meters per second. In Toledo, reservoirs Cazalegas and Castrejón are major contributors, releasing 359 and 433 cubic meters per second, respectively. Meanwhile, Cáceres’ Rosarito reservoir stands out with an extraordinary release of 520 cubic meters per second, drawing considerable attention.
This situation escalated to the extent that the government has strongly advised residents near affected waterways to exercise utmost caution and adhere to instructions from Protección Civil. As the Confederación warned, the release of water is essential to mitigate flooding but also poses significant risks to surrounding communities.
Amid these ongoing challenges, political tensions have surfaced in Madrid, particularly surrounding the response to road closures caused by the storm. The N-6, a vital national artery connecting Madrid and Castilla y León, has been closed for 48 hours near Alto de León, San Rafael, due to a substantial sinkhole caused by a broken collector.
The Partido Popular of Madrid did not miss the opportunity to criticize Francisco Martín, the Government Delegate in the Comunidad, for his absence in the face of such infrastructure failures. "La N-6 está cortada en el Alto de León y es responsabilidad del Gobierno de España que una carretera nacional siga cerrada por un boquete tras 48 horas," stated Alfonso Serrano, Secretary General of the PP of Madrid, during a conference dedicated to addressing addiction issues. He expressed disappointment over Martín's decision to visit Mejorada del Campo instead, where he inspected damages near the Jarama River without prioritizing the critical infrastructure issues plaguing the N-6.
Serrano emphasized the importance of immediate government action, blaming the authorities for the lack of urgency in addressing essential repairs. The disruption to traffic on the N-6 has led to a growing sense of frustration among local residents and transporters who are dependent on this crucial route for their daily transportation needs.
The storm appears relentless, and with the high hydrological risks demonstrated by numerous reservoirs on the verge of overflowing, combined with road closures straining community access, it poses an ongoing challenge for authorities. As the storm triggers significant rainfall, creating an unusual pressure on water management systems, the pressing need for effective measures becomes evident.
Communities across the affected regions are understandably anxious about the implications of this weather event. Many are now left wondering how their infrastructure can withstand the blows of such extreme weather, and how local and national governments will respond moving forward. The situation requires measured strategy and immediate action to restore normalcy and ensure community safety.
With heavy rains projected to persist, the path ahead for Madrid and its surroundings remains uncertain. As residents watch their rivers swell and their roadways disappear, the critical need for efficient governance and infrastructure maintenance has never been clearer.
In the backdrop of this crisis, the appeal for accountability resonates strongly, and public patience wears thin. The challenge of tackling the consequences of Storm Martinho serves as a stark reminder of the intersection between natural disasters and human management systems.
