Historic Rainfall Causes Flooding and Disruption Across Málaga Province
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A severe storm system has unleashed torrential rainfall and strong winds across Málaga province, triggering widespread flooding, river overflows, and travel disruptions. The spanish Meteorological Agency (Aemet) had issued a red alert until 4:00 AM local time this morning, as the Guadalhorce River surged past 5.5 meters,impacting numerous municipalities.
Cártama Among Areas Hardest Hit
Cártama has emerged as one of the most severely affected localities, a common occurrence during heavy rainfall events in the Guadalhorce Valley. Streets in the Doña Ana and Estación de Cártama neighborhoods were inundated,with some areas becoming completely cut off. The Guadalhorce river breached its banks around 11:00 PM last night, exacerbating the situation.
The municipality’s mayor, jorge Gallardo, promptly alerted residents in vulnerable zones to remain vigilant against the escalating floodwaters.
Emergency Services Respond to Widespread Impact
In Málaga city, a important deployment of local police, firefighters, and Civil Protection personnel worked throughout the night, intensifying surveillance in areas like Campanillas, Churriana, and Carretera de Cádiz. teams were also dispatched near the Guadalhorce River to warn residents of the rapidly rising water levels.
Civil Protection officials used loudspeaker announcements to advise residents of Santa Amalia (Campanillas) to seek refuge on upper floors as a precautionary measure. Some residents have evacuated their homes, finding shelter with family members, while the local council has established temporary accommodation at the El Romeral neighborhood association in Alhaurín de la Torre.
Travel Disrupted, Flights Diverted
The intense weather conditions have also impacted air travel, forcing the diversion of numerous flights scheduled to land at Málaga Airport to nearby facilities. The storm, which included hail in many areas, extended its reach to other municipalities including Monda, Coín, Alhaurín el Grande, and the western Costa del Sol, particularly Marbella.
Orange Alert Remains in Effect for Axarquía Region
The province of Málaga remains under an orange alert, with continued heavy rainfall currently impacting the Axarquía region. Intense showers are reported in municipalities such as rincón de la Victoria and Vélez-Málaga. The Axarquía region will remain under an orange alert until 2:59 PM local time on sunday, with anticipated rainfall accumulation reaching up to 80 liters per square meter within a 12-hour period.
Rainfall Totals Reveal Severity of Storm
The torrential rains have resulted in record-breaking precipitation levels.A staggering 130 liters of rain per square meter fell within 12 hours in the Guadalhorce Valley, contributing to the historic crest of the Guadalhorce River near Cártama.
The highest concentration of rainfall – 130 liters per square meter – was recorded in Fahala, a river that flows between Alhaurín el Grande and Cártama and feeds into the Guadalhorce.Data from SAIH Hidrosur, collected at 7:00 AM, indicates nearly 100 liters per square meter fell in various locations along the Guadalhorce River near Cártama within a 12-hour timeframe.
Additional rainfall totals include approximately 70 liters per square meter in Coín,55 liters in Villanueva de la Concepción,52 liters in Tolox,and 42 liters in Casarabonela. Prior to the heaviest rainfall, Marbella had accumulated nearly 73 liters in 24 hours, Ardales recorded 80 liters, Tolox exceeded 96 liters, and the Concepción reservoir and Ojén area received around 60 liters in the preceding day.
The province is continuing to grapple with the aftermath of this significant weather event, as authorities work to assess the full extent of the damage and ensure the safety of residents. .
