Severe rainfall has hit western and southern Spain, causing alarm among residents of Andalusia. In Huelva and several neighboring provinces, a red alert has been declared: within hours, streets were flooded and emergency services have been working non-stop.
Regional authorities have introduced a special emergency response regime due to the flood threat. Sirens sounded on mobile phones in Huelva, warning people not to leave their homes unless absolutely necessary. In some areas, up to 60 liters of rain per square meter fell in just one hour, resulting in sudden flooding of roads and residential neighborhoods.
In neighboring provinces, including Sevilla, Cádiz, Málaga, Córdoba, and Granada, elevated weather alerts have also been issued. Winds are reaching up to 70 km/h, and dangerous waves are being recorded along the coast. Due to the severe weather, ferry services from Tarifa to Tangier have been canceled, and train connections in Sevilla and Huelva have been temporarily suspended because of damage to the overhead power lines.
Widespread disruptions and evacuations
In Sevilla and its suburbs, rescuers responded to over a hundred emergency calls overnight and in the morning: people were evacuated from flooded vehicles, and the roof of an industrial building collapsed. In several municipalities, schools and nursing homes had to be temporarily closed to protect residents from potential flood consequences.
In Málaga, rescue teams led an elderly woman to safety after she got lost in the floodwaters. In Huelva, there have been reports of injuries caused by collapsing structures. In total, emergency services in Andalusia have responded to more than 500 calls related to the aftermath of the severe weather.
Restrictions and recommendations for residents
Authorities strongly advise residents not to travel unless absolutely necessary and to carefully follow updates on the situation. In Seville, university classes have been suspended, and parts of the metro and railway lines are completely shut down due to flooding and technical issues.
In 45 municipalities across the region, emergency response plans have been activated. Emergency crews are continuing to monitor the situation and remain ready for new challenges, as forecasters warn that heavy rain and gale-force winds will persist at least until the end of the day—and tornadoes are possible in some areas.
Residents of Andalusia are facing serious challenges: transportation has been disrupted, streets are flooded, and evacuation measures have been implemented in certain areas. Authorities and rescue services are doing everything possible to minimize damage and ensure public safety.
