Severe rainfall has hit western and southern Spain, raising concerns among residents of Andalusia. A red alert has been declared in Huelva and several neighboring provinces: within hours, streets were flooded, and emergency services have been working around the clock.
Regional authorities have implemented a special flood response protocol. Residents of Huelva received emergency alerts on their mobile phones, urging them 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, causing instant flooding of roads and residential neighborhoods.
Neighboring provinces, including Sevilla, Cádiz, Málaga, Córdoba, and Granada, have also been placed on heightened weather alert. Winds have reached 70 km/h, and dangerous waves are battering the coast. Because of the storm, ferry services from Tarifa to Tangier have been canceled, and rail connections in Sevilla and Huelva have been temporarily suspended due to damage to the overhead lines.
Widespread Disruptions and Evacuations
In Sevilla and its suburbs, rescue teams responded to over a hundred calls overnight and in the morning: people were evacuated from submerged cars, and a roof collapsed in one industrial building. Several municipalities have had to temporarily close schools and nursing homes to protect residents from possible flooding consequences.
In Malaga, rescue teams evacuated an elderly woman who got lost in floodwaters. In Huelva, there have been reports of injuries due to collapsing structures. In total, emergency services in Andalusia have handled over 500 calls related to the consequences of the severe weather.
Restrictions and recommendations for the public
Authorities strongly advise residents not to travel unless absolutely necessary and to closely follow updates on the situation. In Seville, university classes have been suspended, and in some sections, metro and train services are completely halted due to flooding and technical disruptions.
Territorial emergency response plans have been activated in 45 municipalities. Emergency services continue to monitor the situation and remain ready for further challenges, as meteorologists warn that heavy rains and strong winds will persist at least until the end of the day, with even the possibility of tornadoes in some areas.
Residents of Andalusia are facing serious difficulties: transport links are disrupted, streets are flooded, and evacuation measures have been implemented in some areas. Authorities and rescue teams are doing everything possible to minimize damage and keep people safe.
