Severe Flooding Triggers Evacuations in Málaga as Spain Faces New Weather Alerts

Wednesday 13 November 2024 - 16:30

Thousands of people in southern Spain’s Costa del Sol have been evacuated following the issuance of a red weather alert due to intense rainfall and the risk of flooding. The Civil Protection Agency sent urgent alerts to residents in Málaga province, warning of extreme rainfall after 10:00 PM local time on Tuesday. The areas most at risk include popular tourist destinations like Marbella, Vélez, and Estepona, which are bracing for the impact of a severe weather system known as "Dana."

As this storm progresses, other regions across Spain are also under alert. Torrential rains and cooler temperatures are forecasted to continue, just weeks after devastating flash floods claimed over 220 lives across the country. Catalonia, especially near the coast around Tarragona, is also under a red alert until Wednesday evening.

In Málaga, schools have closed, and many businesses remain shut as authorities prepare for the worst. Around 3,000 residents near the Guadalhorce River have been ordered to evacuate, as the river’s rising waters pose an immediate danger. Antonio Sanz, Minister of the Presidency for the Andalusia region, clarified that while entire towns haven’t been evacuated, areas near the riverbank are the main focus for safety measures. This evacuation has prompted collaboration with national security forces to assist in the region's response.

The severe weather has even disrupted sports events, with the opening match of the Billie Jean King Cup between Spain and Poland postponed. Meanwhile, Spain’s meteorological agency, Aemet, has issued orange alerts for parts of Valencia, Andalusia, and the Balearic Islands, warning of strong to torrential rainfall through Thursday. This level of alert indicates a significant threat to daily activities.

In Valencia, where flash floods earlier this month caused widespread damage, schools and public events have been suspended. Emergency services have continued to search for two young brothers, aged 5 and 3, who were swept away by floodwaters on October 29. Their bodies were recently recovered, providing some closure for the grieving family.

Dana systems, characterized by blocked low-pressure areas, cause prolonged and intense rainfall. This unusual weather pattern results in sustained storms, as cooler, high-altitude air meets the warmer Mediterranean air, intensifying the downpours. Although the current weather front is expected to be less destructive than the devastating storm at the end of October, the authorities remain on high alert, taking all precautions to protect lives and property.

As Spain faces this ongoing weather crisis, efforts continue to support affected families, and emergency response teams work tirelessly to mitigate the damage.