Heavy Rains Cause Casualties and Disappearances in Southern Spain
Madrid. The torrential rains affecting southern Spain have resulted in at least one death and two people reported missing, according to emergency services on Sunday. The confirmed fatality occurred in Alhaurín el Grande, a municipality in the province of Málaga, where search efforts for another person continue. Meanwhile, a third individual is being sought in the province of Granada.
Visual Evidence of Severe Weather Conditions
Social media platforms have circulated videos showing flooded streets and strong currents of water in various Andalusian towns following the overnight rainfall. In response to these conditions, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez urged the public to exercise “maximum caution.”
Aemet Downgrades Alert Level, Warns of Intense Precipitation
The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) lowered the alert level in Andalusia from red to orange; however, it cautioned that the Valencian Community remains under maximum alert. Aemet issued a warning about an “extraordinary danger” due to the expected intensity of rainfall starting Monday, with substantial accumulations forecast in a short period. The Murcia region was also affected by the downpours.
Recent History of Devastating Floods in Spain
Spain has been grappling with the aftermath of the catastrophic floods in October 2024, which claimed over 230 lives—mostly in Valencia—and sparked intense controversy over alert management and emergency services’ response.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is affected by the heavy rains in Spain? The southern regions of Spain, particularly Andalusia, Murcia, and the Valencian Community, are experiencing severe weather conditions due to torrential rains.
- How many casualties and disappearances have been reported? At least one death and two people are reported missing following the heavy rains.
- Where are the search efforts focused? Search operations are ongoing in Alhaurín el Grande, Málaga, and one additional missing person is being sought in Granada.
- What precautions have been advised by the Spanish government? Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has urged the public to exercise “maximum caution” due to the severe weather conditions.
- What is the current alert status in Spain? The alert level has been downgraded from red to orange in Andalusia, but the Valencian Community remains under maximum alert. The Murcia region is also experiencing significant rainfall.
- What recent events have heightened concerns about flood management in Spain? The devastating floods in October 2024, which resulted in more than 230 deaths and raised questions about alert management and emergency services’ response, have heightened concerns.
