The natural disaster that struck Andalusia has become a real test for the region’s residents. Large-scale evacuations, destroyed homes and roads, and the ongoing threat from rivers and weather phenomena—all of this directly affects the daily lives of thousands of families. Authorities are forced to maintain a state of high alert, as the aftermath of the bad weather is still being felt despite improved forecasts.
As a result of severe rains and flooding, nearly 12,000 people were forced to leave their homes. The number of evacuees has now decreased to 6,462, but most still cannot return to normal life. The situation is especially dire in the province of Cádiz, where the destruction has affected not only residential buildings but also key transport routes. One of the most dramatic episodes took place in the town of Alcalá de los Gazules, where a two-story house collapsed during the storm. Miraculously, the man inside was unharmed.
Although weather conditions are gradually improving, the alarm remains: 14 rivers in the region are still at critical levels, and 186 roads are partially or completely blocked. Authorities emphasize that the risks persist and call on residents to remain extremely cautious. Special attention is being paid to Cádiz, where the number of affected roads has reached 65, as well as to Córdoba, Granada, Jaén, and other provinces where the consequences of the disaster are particularly acute.
Risks persist
According to Andalusian government officials, the situation remains challenging despite signs of improvement. The region is still under the second level of emergency, and only after conditions stabilize will authorities begin the recovery phase. There is particular concern about rivers and reservoirs, where water levels remain dangerously high. In recent days, emergency services have responded to more than 11,000 calls related to the aftermath of severe weather, with the highest number of incidents recorded in Cádiz, Sevilla, Jaén, and Granada.
The road infrastructure has also suffered significant damage: dozens of routes are blocked due to flooding, landslides, and damage to the road surface. Some areas are experiencing transport disruptions, complicating both evacuation and aid delivery. Authorities strongly advise residents to avoid traveling in affected areas and closely monitor road condition updates.
Additionally, meteorological services continue to warn of new hazards. In certain areas of Cádiz, Málaga, Granada, and Jaén, orange and yellow weather warnings remain in effect due to heavy rains and strong winds. High waves and stormy winds are expected along the coast, posing further risks for coastal communities.
Recovery and Assistance
The Andalusian government has already begun preparations for recovery efforts. To address the consequences of the disaster, the region is relying not only on its own resources but also on support from the central authorities and the European Union. According to preliminary estimates, the cost of restoring destroyed homes, farmland, and infrastructure will be extremely high. Authorities emphasize that the return to normal life will be a lengthy process and will require significant effort.
Special attention is being given to citizens’ safety. Residents of the affected areas are advised not to leave their homes unless absolutely necessary and to check road conditions before traveling. In the event of worsening weather, it is recommended to follow emergency services instructions and be prepared for possible evacuation.
In recent days, thanks to better weather, some evacuees have been able to return home. However, more than six thousand people remain in temporary shelters, waiting for the situation to stabilize. The largest number of displaced persons are in Cádiz, as well as in Jaén, Málaga, Córdoba, Granada, and Sevilla.
Weather threats persist
Meteorological services continue to report hazardous weather events. In Cádiz, especially in the Grazalema area, an orange alert remains in effect due to the risk of up to 150 liters of rainfall per square meter in one day. Other areas of Málaga, Granada, and Jaén are under a yellow alert because of heavy downpours and strong winds reaching up to 70 km/h. On the Costa de Granada coastline and in the Estrecho area, stormy gusts and waves up to three meters are expected.
Road conditions remain tense: according to road services, there are 186 roads in Andalusia with restricted traffic. The reasons include flooding, landslides, damaged road surfaces, as well as snow and ice in mountainous regions. Cádiz faces the most challenging situation, but other provinces are also experiencing a significant impact from the severe weather.
Authorities stress that despite an improved forecast, it is too soon to relax. More rainfall and stronger winds are possible in the coming days, so residents are urged to remain vigilant and follow official updates.
Context and consequences
Reflecting on recent events, it’s worth noting that such disasters have repeatedly caused extensive damage in Andalusia. Earlier this year, the region already faced devastating storms that seriously affected agriculture and tourism infrastructure. At the time, losses exceeded several billion euros, forcing authorities to seek emergency assistance and reconsider budget priorities. Learn more about how previous disasters have changed the lives of farmers and impacted the tourism sector in the article on RUSSPAIN.COM at this link.
In recent years, Spain has been increasingly confronted with extreme weather events that lead to mass evacuations, destruction, and transport disruptions. In 2024, a similar situation occurred in Catalonia, where storms blocked hundreds of roads and schools were closed. These events highlight the need for constant monitoring and preparedness for emergencies, as well as the importance of investing in strengthening infrastructure and early warning systems. With climate change, such incidents are becoming more frequent, requiring maximum focus and responsibility from authorities and citizens alike.
