Málaga is grappling with severe flooding following a dramatic DANA storm, which since Wednesday has left much of the city’s infrastructure paralysed. The intense downpours have caused widespread damage and forced the shutdown of public transport networks. This includes high-speed trains and the metro system. The storm has left Málaga residents in turmoil, and the disruption is still ongoing.
Transport across the region was thrown into chaos as the storm swept in. Málaga’s main transport hub, María Zambrano station, had to be evacuated. All urban and regional bus, train, and metro services were suspended from midday, leaving commuters stranded. Around 400 passengers could not find taxis due to demand and weather conditions. They had to be ferried from the airport to the city centre by emergency buses. However, high charges from ride-hailing services Uber and Cabify added to the frustrations of those attempting to navigate the city. Renfe, Spain’s national railway company, responded by offering free cancellations or rebookings for affected passengers. High-speed trains, including those of private operator Iryo, were left stranded in places like Puente Genil, waiting for services to resume.
Flooding at iconic Málaga sites and airport chaos
The heavy rain has also led to significant flooding in Málaga’s city centre, submerging prominent spots such as Paseo de los Curas, Plaza de la Merced, and Calle Alcazabilla by the Roman Theatre. Some businesses, including branches of El Corte Inglés and the Larios shopping centre, provided temporary shelter to those caught by the rising waters. Even El Corte Inglés’ basement was partially flooded. Other areas, including El Limonar and El Palo, were also heavily affected, with submerged cars and failing traffic lights adding to the confusion.
The DANA’s impact was felt at the airport too, where extensive flooding in the arrivals hall led to one flight cancellation and five others being diverted. Of the 296 flights scheduled until 2.00 pm, only 135 could take off, according to airport operator Aena.
Hospital underwater and communities evacuated
The region’s health services have also taken a hit. Health centres across Málaga and the Guadalhorce region closed on Wednesday afternoon, with only emergency units operating. Málaga’s Clínico Hospital activated an emergency plan due to flooding in various departments. Furthermore, the Regional Hospital and Costa del Sol Hospital were forced to cancel outpatient appointments.
Evacuations became necessary as rivers such as the Campanillas and Toquero rose rapidly, threatening homes. Several residential areas were pre-emptively evacuated, with hundreds of people taking refuge in emergency shelters. In Benalmádena, residents of San Marcos had to be evacuated after a wall collapsed.
Flooding disrupts Torremolinos
Torremolinos has been hit by flooding, with the El Saltillo and Pan Triste streams overflowing and causing traffic chaos in key areas. La Carihuela beach suffered damage once again, but there have been no reported injuries and material damage remains limited. Local parks, senior centres, and libraries have been closed, and the council meeting postponed, as Mayor Margarita del Cid oversees the response from the crisis centre.
More destruction across the region
Neighbouring areas have not been spared. In Alhaurín de la Torre, nearly 80 litres of rain per square metre since the morning caused flooding that inundated streets and squares. Cars and street furniture have been swept away. In the Axarquía region to the east, towns including Benamargosa, Vélez-Málaga, and Torrox faced the full brunt of the storm. Benamargosa saw significant damage from its overflowing river, which carried away vehicles and machinery. In Comares, a hanging bridge was destroyed by the torrent.
Red weather warning extended as storm threat persists
The Spanish meteorological agency Aemet has extended a red weather warning for parts of Málaga, including the Guadalhorce Valley, the west Costa del Sol, and Axarquía, until Thursday morning. Forecasts suggest up to 60 litres of rain per square metre could fall in Axarquía over a 12-hour period. Emergency services remain on high alert, working round the clock to limit further damage and safeguard residents.
Also read: More DANA damage as new storm sweeps across the country