Torrential Rains Cause Severe Flooding in Malaga
Malaga, located in southern Spain, is currently facing a crisis as torrential rains have led to significant flooding across the city. The emergency services report that the Clinical Hospital has been affected, with water inundating various areas. This situation has prompted the evacuation of over 3,000 residents from neighborhoods near the Guadalhorce River, with additional evacuations occurring in the Campanillas area as a precautionary measure. The Andalusian presidential councilor, Antonio Sanz, confirmed that more than 300 reports of flooding in homes, shops, and garages have been logged.
Emergency Measures and Transportation Disruptions
As the floods continue to wreak havoc, Malaga has been placed under a red warning, indicating a danger to life. The heavy rains have not only flooded streets but have also disrupted transportation services. The AVE train service between Malaga and Madrid was halted, and the municipal bus service has been suspended. Furthermore, the María Zambrano Station in Malaga has been evacuated due to safety concerns. The University of Malaga reported damage to its Faculty of Psychology, where a channel for rainwater overflowed, causing significant issues.
Government Response and Future Outlook
In light of the ongoing emergency, President Juanma Moreno of the Junta de Andalucía has expressed readiness to request military assistance if necessary. He emphasized the strength of the region's emergency services, which include 4,500 personnel from Infoca and 3,000 from the Military Emergency Unit (UME). As the situation develops, local authorities are closely monitoring the conditions, with 81 municipalities in Andalusia activating their Local Territorial Emergency Plans (Ptel) to manage the crisis effectively.
