Severe weather conditions continue to plague Spain as the aftermath of Storm Martinho unfolds. With heavy rains still falling across multiple regions, emergency services are stretched to their limits, struggling to respond effectively to the rising crises. On Friday, March 21, 2025, the community faced widespread evacuations, flooded areas, and road closures as the effects of the storm became more pronounced.
Storm Martinho hit Spain on Thursday, resulting in widespread rainfall that is expected to continue into the weekend. The storm has already caused significant disruption, with the Manzanares River in Madrid reaching a red alert level, raising alarm about potential flooding. Tragically, one victim was confirmed as a 71-year-old man, whose body was discovered in Dos Torres, Córdoba, underscoring the storm's deadly impact.
Emergency services were deployed in various locations, particularly in Ávila, where they worked tirelessly to drain water from flooded areas. Authorities reported that at least 48 residents in Mejorada del Campo were evacuated due to the rising waters of the Henares and Jarama rivers. Emergency response teams collaborated with local police to ensure the safety of these residents. Mayor Jorge Capa commented on the evacuations via social media, saying, "We are on high alert and actively monitoring the rivers as water levels continue to rise.
Conditions have forced many local universities to suspend classes, with various public institutions urging citizens to avoid unnecessary travel. This advice was echoed by the Ministry of Labor, which recommended prioritizing teleworking to minimize exposure to dangerous conditions.
The ongoing rain has compounded issues across the region, contributing to road closures. Direction General de Tráfico (DGT) reported a total of 24 roads being closed due to hazardous conditions caused by the storms. In an additional precautionary measure, Loterías y Apuestas del Estado suspended horse race bets at the Hipódromo de la Zarzuela on March 23, citing safety concerns.
In the Castilla y León region, the government activated the Alert Phase for snow on Saturday, March 22, in anticipation of inclement weather that could impact not only the mountainous regions but also urban areas. The risk of avalanches remains high in the Sierra de Guadarrama, with authorities urging everyone to be particularly cautious.
Despite a temporary easing of the storm in Portugal, Martinho's influence lingered on Spanish soil. The high levels of precipitation have set records in Madrid, with the Madrid-Retiro observatory reporting a staggering 213.6 liters per square meter between March 1 and March 20, surpassing the historical peak set in November 1997.
As the storm rages on, emergency services have recorded a significant increase in incidents, with over 123 calls logged by ASEM 112 in the last 24 hours alone. The situation across differing municipalities remains tense, but officials continue to remain vigilant in monitoring river levels and public safety.
Looking ahead, forecasts from the Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (AEMET) caution of further rainfall causing more potential flooding over the weekend. Winds exceeded 100 km/h in regions like Galicia, raising further concerns about infrastructure damage and public safety. The situation will remain critical, and the general public is advised to avoid storm-affected areas wherever possible.
Transportation disruptions are apparent, as bus lines in Madrid, such as line 819, which connects Rascafría with Cotos, and line 692 from Los Molinos to Sierra de Guadarrama, ceased operations. In addition, travelers are reminded to keep up with real-time traffic updates to avoid being stranded in flooded regions.
In light of the ongoing situations, emergency services note that cautionary measures and response strategies are in full effect. Reports have indicated that almost 450 individuals from Las Sabinas, a settlement between Móstoles and Arroyomolinos, were evacuated due to heightened risk from the Guadarrama River. Local authorities are coordinating efforts to provide temporary housing for displaced residents.
Moreover, as of late Friday, the Madrid region was still recovering from the impacts of the storm. The Madrid mayor urged residents to remain vigilant, saying, “We continue to maintain an eye on the river’s status and will respond as needed in the coming days.” Various officials across the country echoed this sentiment, urging citizens to prioritize safety and stay away from affected areas.
Given the dire needs triggered by this climatic event, the healthcare and civic services sector is on heightened alert. They are prepared to respond swiftly to any emergencies that might arise due to the continuing weather challenges across Spain.
As this tumultuous chapter unfolds, the inquiry into future storm readiness and emergency preparedness is likely to gain momentum in discussions between governmental leaders and community stakeholders. As authorities mobilize their resources to tackle the immediate repercussions of Storm Martinho, attention inevitably turns towards long-term strategies that could help mitigate the devastating effects of such weather phenomena in the future.
The Spanish population now faces an uncertain few days, with Santos, a civil authorities spokesperson, remarking, “We are taking every necessary precaution as we witness an unprecedented level of precipitation and resulting impact on our infrastructure.” This realistic acknowledgement of the ongoing threats emphasizes a collective response required to navigate these turbulent times.
