Overview

Severe thunderstorms and relentless rain have once again wreaked havoc on the coastal regions of Spain, leading to widespread evacuations and the threat of flooding just weeks after tragic floods claimed the lives of over 220 people in nearby Valencia.

Evacuations in Malaga

In the Malaga area alone, more than 4,000 residents and 1,000 homes were ordered to evacuate as authorities responded to the unfolding crisis. Antonio Sanz, director of the Emergency Plan for the Risk of Flooding in Andalucia, confirmed that five neighborhoods near the Guadalhorce River were precociously evacuated due to the high risk of overflowing water.

Rainfall Records

The city of Malaga was hit particularly hard, with nearly a month’s worth of average rainfall pouring down in just one hour. The Spanish meteorological agency, AEMet, reported that 100 millimeters (about 4 inches) of rain fell on Wednesday, with approximately 78 millimeters (3 inches) coming down within a single hour. This is quite significant, given that Malaga typically averages only 100.5 millimeters for the entire month of November!

Warnings and Preparations

Red warnings for extreme rainfall have now been issued across the regions of Andalucía and Catalonia, with multiple towns reporting impassable roads and flooded basements. Video footage circulating on social media captures the intense scene, showcasing streets in Malaga transformed into rivers.

Infrastructure Impact

Authorities in Malaga also ordered evacuations near the Campanillas River, and the Ministry of Transport announced that the Málaga-Madrid rail service would be suspended due to water accumulation on the tracks. In response to the severe weather warnings, the opening round of the Billie Jean King Cup clash between Spain and Poland was postponed, originally scheduled for Wednesday evening.

More Rain on the Horizon

As the crisis deepens, meteorologists predict that heavy rainfall will persist throughout the evening, affecting areas from Malaga and Granada to Valencia and Tarragona, with potential accumulations soaring to 180 millimeters (7 inches).

Educational Closures

In light of the ongoing weather threats, educational institutions in the province of Malaga, as well as in areas placed under orange warning—such as Seville, Cádiz, and Huelva—will remain closed on Thursday. The coastal region of Valencia is also bracing for bad weather, and local authorities announced a red warning for Thursday. Spain’s Transport Minister, Óscar Puente, urged residents to avoid non-essential travel on Valencia's roads, effective from 6 p.m. local time (12 p.m. ET) on Wednesday.

Safety Measures in Valencia

Valencia's City Council has suspended all school activities in the city and its districts for Wednesday and Thursday, prioritizing student safety amid these turbulent weather conditions.

Conclusion

As Spain navigates the aftermath of its worst floods in decades, the memory of the recent devastation lingers heavily in the air and underscores the urgent need for robust emergency preparedness.