Spain – Torrential Rain and Floods Leave 2 Dead

Two people have died in southern Spain after floods triggered by torrential rain between 03 December and 05 December, 2016. Flooding was reported in towns and cities along a stretch of the coast from Malaga to Gibraltar.

Spain’s meteorological agency Aemet issued a red alert (highest level) for the provinces of Malaga and Cadiz early on Sunday, 04 December. An amber alert remained in place early Monday 05 December but was later downgraded to yellow level. Heavy rain is also expected in parts of Valencia province, where an amber alert is in place.

One fatality was reported in the tourist area of Estepona on the Costa del Sol, where the victim died in the flooded basement of a building. Further down the coast towards Gibraltar, a man died when his car was swept away in flash flood on the outskirts of La Línea de la Concepción, Cádiz.

Several major roads have been closed, including the A-7 motorway, causing widespread disruption. Many schools have also been closed in the affected areas.

Emergency services in Andalusia responded to more than 1,400 flood and rain related incidents. Guardia Civil helicopters were called into operation to rescue stranded victims.

Rainfall

Figures for a 24 hour period to 04 December, 2016, according to Aemet.

Estepona – 222.0 mm
Marbella – 213.4 mm
Manilva – 200.2 m
Benahavis – 176.2 mm
Coín – 135.6 mm

Guardia Civil helicopter rescue, southern Spain, December 2016. Photo: Guardia Civil

Social Media

#LaLinea La precipitación torrencial deja calles inundadas, autovia A-7 cortada,caídas de muros y línea férrea cortada vía @europa_sur pic.twitter.com/ziSHqx45aN

— La Línea Meteo (@lalineameteo) December 4, 2016

El Guardia Civil procurará ser siempre un pronóstico feliz para el afligido…sin distinción de especies#trombaMLG pic.twitter.com/5Ub2zwwxCc

— Guardia Civil (@guardiacivil) December 4, 2016

https://twitter.com/guardiacivil/status/805453600084336640

Precipitación acumulada prevista para sábado y domingo (48h) por el @ECMWF pic.twitter.com/7Zark3Ld0y

— AEMET_Andalucia (@AEMET_Andalucia) December 3, 2016