Severe Flooding Hits Andalusia: Two Missing, Hundreds Evacuated as Torrential Rains Continue

Severe Flooding Hits Andalusia as Heavy Rains Persist for Third Consecutive Week

Heavy rains have continued to batter Spain for a third consecutive week, causing widespread flooding and disruption in the southern region of Andalusia. Emergency services are actively responding to the crisis, with at least two people reported missing and hundreds of residents evacuated as rising waters threaten homes and infrastructure.

Impact on Andalusia and Emergency Responses

On Tuesday, the Andalusian region experienced yet another surge of torrential rainfall, leading to dangerous flooding in several provinces, including Seville, Malaga, and Murcia. In the provincial capital of Seville, two individuals are currently missing after reportedly attempting to cross a ravine. Their overturned vehicle was discovered nearby, but search and rescue teams have yet to locate them.

The regional leader of Andalusia, Juan Manuel Moreno, issued an urgent public warning, urging residents to exercise extreme caution:

“Please be very careful, even if the rain eases. Crossing a stream is highly dangerous,” Moreno stated during a press conference on Tuesday.

In Malaga province, authorities evacuated a total of 368 families as a preventive measure after local rivers overflowed. The town of Cartama was among the worst affected areas, where emergency teams rescued approximately 20 people and their pets from flooded homes. Local officials have warned that the situation could worsen if rainfall persists over the next 24 hours.

The flooding has also affected transportation infrastructure. Over 40 highways across Andalusia were closed due to rising waters, and train services between Malaga and Seville were suspended indefinitely. Several rail lines have been reported as severely damaged, with repair work likely to take several weeks.

Rescue Operations and Public Safety Measures

Emergency responders have been working around the clock to provide assistance and ensure public safety. In Aguilas, a coastal town in the Murcia region, rescue teams successfully evacuated nine people who had been trapped inside their vehicles after a nearby ravine overflowed. Several boats caught in the storm surge were also recovered, with no casualties reported.

Emergency services have been coordinating rescue operations with the Spanish Civil Guard, Red Cross, and local fire brigades. Helicopters and drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras have been deployed to locate stranded individuals and assess damage in inaccessible areas.

The Andalusian government has activated the highest level of emergency response, with temporary shelters set up in municipal sports centers and schools to accommodate displaced residents. Medical teams have been dispatched to provide support to those affected, particularly vulnerable individuals such as the elderly and children.

Weather Conditions and Official Warnings

Spain’s national weather agency, AEMET (Agencia Estatal de Meteorología), has issued a red weather alert for parts of Andalusia, warning of continued heavy rainfall and the potential for further flooding. The agency reported that over 100 millimeters of rain fell in Seville and Malaga within a 24-hour period—levels typically seen over an entire month.

AEMET forecasts indicate that the storm system will likely persist over southern Spain for the next 48 hours, with rainfall totals expected to exceed 150 millimeters in some areas. The agency has advised residents to avoid travel where possible, particularly in low-lying and coastal areas, due to the high risk of flash flooding and landslides.

Damage to Infrastructure and Economic Impact

The flooding has caused extensive damage to public infrastructure and private property. In Malaga, several bridges and roadways have been compromised by rising waters, with some road surfaces collapsing under the pressure of fast-moving currents.

Local businesses in affected areas have reported significant losses, with shops and restaurants in central Malaga and Seville forced to close due to flooding. Farmers in the region have also raised concerns about crop damage, particularly olive and citrus orchards, which are vulnerable to standing water and soil erosion.

The increased water levels have also affected reservoir capacity. After years of drought, Spain’s reservoirs are now at 65.6% of their total capacity—higher than the 10-year average. Authorities have begun controlled releases of water from several dams to prevent structural failures and downstream flooding.

Statements from Officials and Public Response

In a public statement, Juan Manuel Moreno stressed that public safety remains the top priority:

“We are working closely with emergency teams to ensure that everyone is accounted for and that resources are distributed effectively. The situation remains critical, and we urge everyone to follow official guidance.”

Residents have expressed both relief and concern over the rainfall. While the increased water supply has alleviated the long-standing drought, the damage to homes and infrastructure remains a pressing issue.

A British resident named Vernon described the situation in a post on social media:

“Nobody here, including older residents, have ever known it rain 19 days out of the last 20. Torrential, relentless. All night.”

Safety Recommendations for the Public

Authorities have issued the following safety guidelines to residents in affected areas:

• Avoid travel unless absolutely necessary, particularly near rivers and low-lying areas.
• Do not attempt to cross flooded roadways or streams. Even shallow water can be deceptively strong and may sweep vehicles away.
• Secure personal belongings and elevate valuable items above potential flood levels.
• Follow evacuation orders promptly and report to designated shelters if instructed by local authorities.
• Monitor official weather updates from AEMET and local emergency services.

Residents are advised to remain indoors and keep emergency supplies, including clean drinking water, non-perishable food, and flashlights, on hand in case of power outages or extended evacuation periods.

Looking Ahead

Meteorologists are cautiously optimistic that rainfall intensity will ease toward the end of the week. However, soil saturation levels remain high, increasing the risk of further flooding and landslides even after the rain stops.

Authorities have announced that emergency repair work will begin immediately once conditions allow. The Spanish government has pledged financial support to affected communities and will assess the long-term economic impact of the flooding in the coming weeks.

The situation remains fluid, and emergency services will continue to provide updates as conditions evolve. For now, the priority remains on ensuring public safety and preventing further loss of life.