The situation in Grazalema (Grazalema, Cádiz) has become one of the most talked-about topics in Andalusia following the forced evacuation of 1,500 residents. The question of when people can return to their homes is directly linked to safety: experts continue to assess landslide risks and possible ground collapses. For many families, this is not just a waiting game but a real test of resilience, as the future of the entire municipality is at stake.
On Sunday, the President of the Andalusian government, Juanma Moreno, announced that a decision on the partial return of evacuees could be made as early as today. However, final authorization will only be granted after a report from CSIC geologists, who are using ground-penetrating radar to determine which areas of the town are safe to live in. Authorities emphasized that no one will be allowed to return to a hazardous zone until there is absolute certainty that no danger remains.
Awaiting a decision
Moreno made his statement at the El Fuerte sports complex in Ronda (Ronda, Málaga), where many evacuees are currently being housed. He noted that a decision on returning may come as soon as today, and the process could start tomorrow if experts confirm the safety of certain areas. According to the president, the return will be gradual, beginning with the zones deemed secure.
Technical teams continue their work on site, using modern diagnostic methods to detect even the slightest signs of soil instability. Special attention is given to areas where previous ground shifts or cracks were recorded. Only after gathering all the necessary data will residents be allowed to return.
Safety comes first
Moreno stressed that the decision for mass evacuation, made on February 5, was extremely difficult for both local authorities and the regional government. However, it was based solely on the recommendations of experts rather than political motives. Now, as the situation gradually stabilizes, officials are prepared to act with maximum caution to avoid exposing people to new risks.
If experts give a positive assessment, the return of residents will be organized by zones and in stages. This will help avoid crowding and ensure that the condition of each area is closely monitored. Authorities promise to keep residents fully informed of all developments and to personally update them at every stage of the return.
Technology on guard
Ground-penetrating radars are used in Grazalema to assess the condition of soil and buildings. This equipment helps detect hidden underground processes. Thanks to these technologies, experts can identify potential threats in advance and prevent new incidents. This approach has already proven effective in other regions of Spain, where modern monitoring methods were also used after heavy rains and floods.
Authorities emphasize that residents will only be allowed to return when there is complete confidence in safety. For many families, this is long-awaited news, as they have spent several days away from their homes. At the same time, part of the municipality will remain closed until additional data is obtained.
Context and consequences
The situation in Grazalema has become one of the most pressing topics in Andalusia over the past weeks. The mass evacuation caused by landslide threats after record rainfall has highlighted the fragility of infrastructure in mountainous areas. Other regions in the country have also seen cases of forced relocations due to natural disasters. For example, in Aragón, the political landscape recently shifted amid a surge in support for new parties, as covered in detail in the article on population movements and changes in municipalities.
The use of modern technologies and coordinated efforts by specialists help minimize risks for residents and speed up the return to normal life. Authorities promise to keep the public informed at every stage and to make decisions based solely on expert assessments.
In recent years, Spain has faced a series of natural disasters linked to climate change: heavy rains, floods, and landslides have led to evacuations in various regions. In 2023, similar measures were taken in Murcia and Valencia, where entire neighborhoods were temporarily closed after torrential rains. Authorities are increasingly using modern monitoring methods to respond swiftly to threats and ensure citizens’ safety. Such incidents highlight the importance of constant infrastructure oversight and readiness for emergencies.
