The renowned Roman bridge of Talavera de la Reina, a cherished historical landmark, collapsed in the early hours of March 23, 2025, around 01:00 AM, due to severe flooding of the Tajo River. The river's flow exceeded an alarming 1,000 cubic meters per second, driven by relentless rainfall and rapid snowmelt resulting from the storm Martinho.
Mayor of Talavera, José Julián Gregorio, confirmed the tragic collapse via social media, declaring, "This night is a terrible day for the history of Talavera. Our old or 'Roman' bridge has just collapsed. A terrible flood for the city. Thank goodness we closed it to pedestrian traffic. Today my heart as mayor suffers from this patrimonial loss." His poignant words reflect the deep emotional impact this event has had on the community, mourning the loss of a vital piece of their heritage.
Following the collapse, municipal police quickly established a second security perimeter around the site, advising citizens to steer clear for their own safety. In a further display of community solidarity, Paco Núñez, the president of the PP in Castilla-La Mancha, offered his condolences, stating through social media, "Much encouragement for Talavera de Reina. Without a doubt, this is a painful loss for the city and its history. The concern is at its highest right now. I maintain permanent contact with the mayor, to whom I convey all our support and collaboration for him and his neighbors." His message underscores the widespread distress among citizens regarding the bridge’s fate.
The Roman bridge, known locally as Puente Viejo or from Santa Catalina, holds the title of being the oldest bridge spanning the Tajo River in Talavera. Originally constructed in Roman times, its existing structure was largely completed in the late 15th century under the guidance of Fray Pedro de los Molinos. Over the centuries, the bridge has undergone several restorations to maintain its integrity, the most recent of which occurred in 2002.
As the disaster unfolded, the situation was further complicated by the ongoing flooding affecting surrounding areas. The Confederación Hidrográfica del Tajo (CHT) has since placed 25 points on red alert, with 19 dams releasing unprecedented flows. Significant communities like Higares, Cazalegas, and parts of Talavera have experienced severe flooding, prompting evacuations and raising alarms for local authorities. Carlos Velázquez, the mayor of Toledo, has urged citizens to remain vigilant, declaring that the Tajo’s flow could increase over the next 24 hours.
The matter was not taken lightly by government officials, with Milagros Tolón, the government delegate, emphasizing the need for a coordinated response. She stated, "In this emergency situation, we must proceed minute by minute, ensuring the greatest safety for citizens." This emphasizes the high alert status throughout the region as emergency services work diligently to assess and respond to the ongoing threats.
Earlier on March 22, prior to the collapse, Tolón and Virginia Barcones—the Director-General for Civil Protection—visited the riverside areas of Talavera to evaluate conditions and activate the Plan de Emergencia ante el Riesgo de Inundaciones (PRICAM) at level one, assessing the rising threat posed by the river. Their proactive measures aimed to prepare for fluctuating conditions and avoid further devastation. During these evaluations, officials emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration in addressing the crisis.
This flooding event comes against a backdrop of Regional and National alerts, particularly as 14 communities across Spain faced meteorological warnings. The AEMET has highlighted the continued risk of heavy rainfall and accelerated snowmelt impacting the integrity of local infrastructures and public safety.
The Talavera community is now left grappling with the aftermath of this catastrophic event. Volunteer rescue efforts are underway, with assistance from organizations such as Cruz Roja and local firefighters, actively engaging to provide aid where necessary. Citizens from surrounding towns like Lagartera and Oropesa have organized shifts to help fortify makeshift barriers against rising waters, demonstrating a commendable display of solidarity.
Despite the unfortunate circumstances, residents are being urged to stay informed through official channels, as the situation remains fluid. The ongoing efforts of local and governmental bodies aim to restore safety and stability to the affected areas as emergency crews continue to monitor conditions closely.
In the coming days, experts warn that the challenges may not subside quickly, with additional weather fronts expected to generate further heavy rains and complicate efforts to stabilize the region. As one emergency services technician poignant remarked, "This does not end today," indicating that the fight against the elements is far from over.
The destruction of the Puente Romano, a symbol of history and community, serves as a reminder of nature’s unpredictable power and the necessity for vigilance in disaster preparedness. Talavera de la Reina will stand together during these tough times, mourning their losses while striving for recovery and rebuilding.
