The province of Malaga has been placed on high alert as a result of intense rainfall caused by a DANA (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos). The relentless downpours have brought severe flooding to the Avenida Andalucía, a key thoroughfare in the centre of Malaga, leaving streets submerged and vehicles struggling to navigate.
The Virgin de la Victoria hospital area has also been severely affected, adding to the widespread disruption across the city.
Preliminary estimates reveal that nearly 100 litres of rain per square metre have already fallen in the province. In Coín alone, between 11.00 and 12 noon, around 50 litres per square metre was recorded, making it one of the hardest-hit areas.
Thousands forced from homes as Guadalhorce river levels rise
During the night, approximately 3,000 residents were evacuated from 1,000 homes near the Guadalhorce River as a precautionary measure against rapidly rising water levels. Authorities are particularly concerned about the areas surrounding the Guadalhorce and Campanillas rivers, where water levels continue to climb. Further evacuations are planned for Campanillas, where homes along the riverbank are at risk.
Transportation and health services severely disrupted
The torrential rain has also impacted public transport and health services across Malaga. Renfe has cancelled the C2 Cercanías train line between Malaga and Álora, while high-speed services have been diverted. In the health sector, the Virgen de la Victoria Hospital activated its emergency flood protocol after parts of the hospital, including the clinical analysis lab, were inundated. Additionally, all regular health centres in the Malaga Guadalhorce region will close from 3.00 pm, with only emergency services remaining operational.
Tornado in Mijas and precautionary evacuations elsewhere
A tornado caused further havoc in La Cala de Mijas, tearing apart a petrol station canopy and damaging tables, chairs, and windows. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, though the incident triggered panic among those nearby. In Benalmádena, 15 residents were evacuated as a nearby stream threatened to overflow, while nine homeless individuals were temporarily housed in hostels by the Red Cross in Malaga.
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Meanwhile, residents near the Guadalhorce River in Cártama are taking precautions to prevent further flooding, with sandbags and barricades in place to protect homes that were damaged during similar floods just two weeks ago.
Axarquía caught off guard by sudden downpour
In the inland Axarquía region, a sudden downpour dumped 45 litres of rain per square metre in minutes, particularly affecting Los Romanes in La Viñuela. Although the volume of rain was substantial, there have been no reports of flooding or damage, with much of the water flowing into the La Viñuela reservoir.
Also read: Emergency numbers and apps