- Over 350 residences evacuated in Campanillas after river breach
- 19 Andalusian rivers on red alert, 40 highways shut
- November 2023 floods claimed 233 lives in Valencia region
- Climate scientists confirm drought-flood cycle acceleration
Torrential rains battered southern Spain this week, transforming parched landscapes into raging waterways within hours. Emergency crews worked through the night to relocate more than 350 families from Campanillas village as the Guadalhorce River overflowed its banks. Municipal sports facilities now serve as temporary shelters, with regional president Juanma Moreno declaring the area a disaster zone.
The Andalusia Emergency Coordination Center reports 19 river systems at critical flood levels, stretching from coastal Málaga to inland Córdoba. Transportation networks suffered massive disruptions, with 40 major roadways rendered impassable and rail service suspended between Seville and Granada. Meteorologists recorded 90mm of rainfall in six hours – nearly half the region's average annual precipitation.
This disaster echoes November 2023's tragic flooding that killed 233 people in eastern Spain. While no fatalities are reported in the current crisis, the repetitive nature of these events alarms climate researchers. Dr. Elena Martínez from Barcelona Climate Institute notes: 'Our models predicted these intensifying swings between drought and deluge, but reality outpaces projections.'
Infrastructure vulnerabilities exacerbate the crisis. Many Andalusian flood channels date from the 1980s, designed for historical rainfall patterns. Agricultural losses now exceed €15 million, with olive groves submerged under meter-high waters. However, improved emergency protocols enabled faster evacuations compared to last year' disaster response times.
Regional authorities have implemented three key measures since 2023: real-time river monitoring sensors, community flood preparedness workshops, and revised urban planning restrictions. These changes likely prevented greater catastrophe during this week's emergency. Environment Minister Teresa Ribera pledges €120 million for adaptive infrastructure upgrades across southern provinces.