Spain – 1 Killed in Flash Floods as Torrential Rain Hits South

by in Europe, News

Major flash floods struck in several provinces in southern Spain yesterday, 07 September 2015, after torrential downpours.

Spain’s Protección Civil y Emergencias said that the worst affected areas are along the coast of the provinces of Valencia, Alicante, Granada and Almería, with rainfall of 40 l / m2 in an hour. The intense rainfall began to fall at around 11:00.

Protección Civil say that the heavy rain will remain in the areas of Valencia and Alicante today, Tuesday 08 September 2015. Several orange and yellow level weather warnings are in place for heavy rain in parts of Valencia and Alicante. However, they warned of the unpredictability of the current storm events.

“During this time of year it is difficult forecast storm events, especially on the Mediterranean coast, so it is advisable to keep informed at all times of the possible evolution of weather changes”

They warned those in the affected areas:

“During torrential rain, stay away from rivers, streams and low-lying areas and do not cross flooded areas.”

Yellow and Orange level alerts for heavy rain in southern Spain, Tuesday 08 September 2015. Image:
Yellow and Orange level alerts for heavy rain in Valencia and Alicante, southern Spain, Tuesday 08 September 2015. Image: Protección Civil y Emergencias

Fatality, Flood Damage and Transport Disruption

Flights were diverted from Malaga airport yesterday, trains cancelled and many roads closed, including roads leading to Malaga airport.

In some towns streets were turned into fast flowing rivers, where flood water lifted vehicles and swept them along in the current. One man is reported to have died in the floods after his car was washed away in Polopos-La Mamola in Granada province.

The town of Adra, in Almería is thought to be one of the worst hit areas, with reports that dozens of drivers needed to be rescued from their vehicles by emergency services. Popular tourist resorts of Benidorm and Torremolinos also saw some flooding.

Flooded roads between Malaga and Torremolinos, Monday 07 September 2015. Photo: Government of Torremolinos
Flooded roads between Malaga and Torremolinos, Monday 07 September 2015. Photo: Government of Torremolinos

Social Media

Below is a video showing the flooded streets of Adra in Almeria, yesterday, 07 September.

Warnings issued via Twitter from Spain’s Protección Civil y Emergencias.