Severe rainfall from storm Laurence has wreaked havoc across Spain, leading to at least one confirmed death, widespread flooding, and the evacuation of hundreds of residents from affected areas. The storm has caused significant disruption, including overflowing rivers, road closures, and accidents.
Tragic developments in Seville
In Seville, search efforts for a couple missing after being swept away by a torrent in Constantina have taken a grim turn. Firefighters located a body near the site where the couple’s car was found overturned; however, authorities have yet to confirm whether this individual is one of the missing persons. The vehicle was carried away several meters by the rushing waters, complicating rescue efforts.
Additionally, in Córdoba province, authorities are searching for another man who disappeared while biking on Monday afternoon, emphasizing the urgency of ongoing rescue operations.
Impact in Málaga and Murcia
Málaga province has been particularly hard hit, with the Guadalhorce and Campanillas rivers overflowing and prompting the evacuation of multiple neighborhoods in Málaga and Cártama. Coín recorded the highest rainfall in Spain, measuring 55.4 liters per square meter. The storm’s impact is further illustrated by the suspension of classes in numerous schools and the closure of over 30 roads, including a significant stretch of the Seville-Cádiz motorway.
In the Murcia region, adverse weather has also resulted in road accidents. An Imserso bus overturned on the A-7, leading to several injuries among passengers. Emergency responders swiftly attended to the incident, adding to the ongoing list of disruptions caused by the extreme weather.
“Some normality” in Madrid, but the Guadarrama River worries authorities.
In Madrid, regional minister for the Environment, Agriculture, and the Interior, Carlos Novillo, reported a state of “some normality” in the region, although the storm continues to pose challenges for emergency services. He noted that conditions are not as dire as in other areas; however, the west remains critically affected by heavy rainfall. Authorities are actively monitoring the Guadarrama River, which has seen rising water levels, with emergency teams on high alert for potential overflows.
Weather forecasts indicate a brief respite on Wednesday, but the imminent arrival of squall Martinho, the thirteenth major storm of the season, is expected to bring additional rain and strong winds on Thursday. This could exacerbate the already precarious situation across the region. Authorities are urging the public to take necessary precautions, as 52 roads have already been closed due to the severe weather conditions.