The situation in Andalusia has become alarming for thousands of families today: due to the powerful storms Joseph and Kristin, authorities have decided to immediately close schools in 77 municipalities and evacuate residents in the province of Cádiz. The reason was not only the torrential rain, but also a sudden rise in river levels, putting the safety of entire districts at risk.
In San Roque, a small town in southern Cádiz, 250 families were forced to leave their homes after authorities began a controlled release of water from the overflowing Guadarranque reservoir. Locals watched as police and rescue services systematically evacuated people from the most vulnerable areas to prevent a tragedy like those already seen in other regions of the country.
Evacuation operation
In the areas of La Estación and Guadarranque, where most of the at-risk homes are located, tension ran high from early morning. Restaurant and shop owners rushed to cancel reservations and close their businesses to check if water had entered. According to eyewitnesses, the streets were filled with police cars and members of the Civil Guard coordinating the evacuation and maintaining order.
Particular concern arose from the fact that the reservoir water release coincided with high tide, increasing the risk of flooding. Authorities decided to open a second sluice to reduce pressure on the dam and prevent water from breaching the top edge of the structure. This helped to avert more severe consequences, but forced the evacuation zone to be expanded to all 250 families living near the river.
Storms and their aftermath
The weather anomalies were not confined to Cádiz. Numerous incidents were also reported in neighboring provinces: in Fuengirola, a woman died after being struck by a falling palm tree, while in Sevilla, strong winds toppled a tree outside the Virgen del Rocío hospital, injuring a woman. Her condition is reported as mild and she received medical attention on site.
The Andalusian authorities decided to suspend classes in several regions at once: in Almería—36 municipalities, in Málaga—26, and in Cádiz—15. Red and orange weather warnings were issued due to persistent heavy rain and the threat of floods. Parents have been advised not to send their children to school until further notice.
Infrastructure under threat
Emergency services responded to over 900 weather-related calls overnight. The highest number of incidents occurred in Cádiz, Seville, Málaga, and Jaén, though reports of flooding, fallen trees, and transport disruptions have also come in from other provinces. Granada, Córdoba, Almería, and Huelva are likewise facing severe challenges.
Road conditions remain difficult: 21 highway sections across Andalusia are closed due to flooding, ice, and snow. Cádiz is particularly affected with 15 roads closed, followed by Córdoba and Málaga. In some areas, traffic is at a complete standstill, complicating rescue operations and resident evacuations.
Rivers under surveillance
Particular attention is being paid to river water levels. In addition to the Guadiarranque, the Guadiaro River is under close observation, with a red alert already declared. Water levels are expected to rise in downstream towns such as San Pablo de Buceite and at the Guadiaro river mouth in San Roque in the coming hours. Authorities warn of possible new evacuations if the situation worsens.
In Seville, hydrological services continue to monitor 13 locations where dangerous rises in water levels have been recorded due to rainfall. If precipitation persists, further restrictions and safety measures cannot be ruled out.
Response and measures
Local authorities emphasize that all actions are aimed at preventing loss of life and minimizing damage. Residents are advised to monitor official announcements and not return to their homes until permission is granted. Social media is abuzz with discussions about the work of rescue services and the effectiveness of measures taken by the administration.
It is still unknown when the situation will stabilize. Meteorologists’ forecasts are pessimistic: rain and strong winds are expected to persist at least until the evening. Authorities are preparing for new challenges, while residents hope that the most dangerous moments are already behind them.
