Storm Floods Málaga; Orange Alerts Issued

A significant weather event has impacted the province of Málaga, resulting in widespread flooding and rising river levels. The storm, which brought heavy rainfall and strong winds, previously forced authorities to issue a red alert and send out an ES Alert message to the public.

Rivers in the region have reacted quickly to the precipitation. The Guadalhorce river, a major waterway in the area, has seen a dramatic increase in volume, rising above 5.5 meters. This surge has caused problems in several municipalities, including the provincial capital and Cártama.

While the most intense phase of the storm has passed, the risk remains high. The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) continues to maintain an orange alert status for heavy rains. This warning extends beyond Málaga to include the coastal areas of Granada, Almería, and Valencia.

The storm system has left a trail of inundations across Málaga. Municipalities in the hardest-hit zones reported significant water accumulation on streets and in low-lying areas. The severity of the weather prompted the highest level of warning over the weekend.

Authorities were forced to issue a red alert on Saturday night. This level of warning indicates a high risk of extreme weather events. In response to the developing situation, an ES Alert message was dispatched to mobile devices in the affected area to warn residents of the dangers.

The primary driver of the flooding is the sheer volume of rainfall. This has led to rapid runoff into local streams and rivers. The situation remains precarious as the ground is fully saturated, meaning any additional rain will immediately contribute to surface water issues.

The Guadalhorce river has been a focal point of the weather emergency. Data indicates that the river has surged past the critical threshold of 5.5 meters. Such high water levels are typically associated with significant flooding risks in the river's path.

Specific locations experiencing issues include:

• Cártama: Located near the river, experiencing localized flooding.
• Málaga capital: The provincial capital has seen effects from the rising waters.
• Other localities: Various towns in the most affected zones are dealing with the aftermath.

The rise of the Guadalhorce represents a serious hydrological event. When a river exceeds its normal banks, it can threaten infrastructure and agricultural land. The monitoring of these levels is critical for the safety of the surrounding communities.

As of Sunday, the weather situation has evolved. The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has adjusted the alert levels. While the immediate red alert has passed, the threat of heavy precipitation continues to loom over the southern and eastern coasts of Spain.

An orange alert is currently in effect. This is the second-highest level of warning, signifying a significant risk. The alert specifically targets coastal areas of four provinces:

• Málaga
• Granada
• Almería
• Valencia

The focus of the warning is the threat of fuertes lluvias, or strong rains. Residents in these coastal zones are advised to remain vigilant. Continued rainfall could exacerbate the already high river levels and lead to further localized flooding.

This weather event is part of a broader pattern affecting the Iberian Peninsula. The combination of atmospheric pressure systems has funneled moisture-laden air into the southern regions. This dynamic is responsible for the sustained rainfall observed in Málaga and its neighbors.

The maintenance of the orange alert for Granada, Almería, and Valencia suggests that the meteorological conditions are not isolated to a single province. Rather, it is a regional phenomenon requiring coordinated attention from emergency management agencies across multiple autonomous communities.

Looking ahead, the focus will be on the recession of waters and the assessment of damage. The Guadalhorce and other affected rivers will need time to return to normal levels. Until then, the orange alerts serve as a critical tool for public safety.