Severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall have once again battered coastal Spain, forcing thousands to evacuate just two weeks after deadly floods devastated the Valencia region. In Malaga, over 4,000 residents and nearly a thousand homes have been evacuated as the region grapples with flash flooding and river overflow risks. Emergency Plan Director Antonio Sanz reported that five areas near the Guadalhorce River were evacuated to prevent potential disaster.
In just one hour, Malaga experienced close to a month’s worth of rainfall, with the Spanish meteorological agency, AEMet, recording 78 millimeters (3 inches) within that short period. As the flooding intensifies, a red alert for extreme rainfall has been issued across Andalusia and Catalonia, with multiple towns facing submerged streets, flooded basements, and impassable roads. The Malaga City Council issued evacuation orders for neighborhoods near the Campanillas River, with additional disruptions including the suspension of the Málaga-Madrid rail service due to waterlogged tracks.
Forecasters predict that the heavy rain will persist through the evening, extending from Malaga and Granada to Valencia and Tarragona, where totals could reach up to 180 millimeters (7 inches). Authorities have closed schools across the entire province of Malaga and imposed non-essential movement bans on Valencia’s roads, effective from Wednesday evening. Schools in Valencia city and surrounding districts will remain closed to ensure the safety of residents.
Spain continues to grapple with the aftermath of its deadliest floods in recent history, which took over 220 lives in the Valencia region. Public dissatisfaction with the government’s response has led to calls for Valencia’s regional president Carlos Mazón to resign, as tens of thousands took to the streets last weekend to demand accountability.
Source: Swifteradio.com
