A second Civil Protection Alert has been sent out to Costa del Sol areas for a red alert for flood risks.
Malaga Province remains under severe strain on Sunday, January 4, as Storm Francis delivers a persistent deluge of rain across the Costa del Sol and Guadalhorce Valley. The Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET) maintains a red alert, the highest level, for these areas, forecasting up to 120 litres per square metre in 12 hours and warning of “extraordinary risk” from intense downpours through late evening and early morning.
Rivers have overflowed in several locations, prompting evacuations, widespread road closures, and emergency interventions. The Guadalhorce River has surged dramatically, exceeding five metres in places as it passes through Estacion de Cartama, leading to flooding in areas like Las Huertas. Local authorities in Cartama declared a preventive emergency, evacuating around 30 residents from vulnerable zones such as La Dehesa. A table tennis pavilion is serving as a makeshift shelter with camping beds, though most displaced families are staying with relatives.
Upstream, the Río Grande has burst its banks near Las Millanas in Tolox and through Guaro, reaching historic levels with over two metres of water in some spots and triggering orange alerts. The Río Campanillas remains contained for now, but levels are rising.
Firefighters and emergency teams have handled dozens of incidents. In Estepona, crews responded to an abandoned car swept into the Velerín River, confirming no occupants inside before withdrawing due to strong currents. In Alhaurín el Grande, fire crews rescued two unharmed people from a vehicle trapped in a large pool of water on Cuesta de Carreolos around midday, towing the car to safety. Additional operations include pumping water from flooded homes and patios in Manilva’s Cortijos Altos community. In Mijas, occupants of a trapped vehicle in a riverbed escaped unaided.
Road disruptions are extensive. Key closures include:
- A-7059 in Alhaurín el Grande (black level, total ban on passing)
- MA-5403 in Ardales (red level)
- MA-5401 from Ardales to Casarabonela due to the overflowing Arroyo Blanquillo
- MA-8302 near Genalguacil from the rising Río Almarchal
- A-7250 in Tolox due to landslides and pooling water
Intermittent blockages from rockfalls, fallen trees, and accumulations affect routes in Tolox, Monda, Estepona, and Manilva. Malaga’s metro has suspended most services under the red alert, running only a limited portion of Line 1 and halting Line 2 entirely. All branches of El Corte Inglés on the Costa del Sol, along with La Cañada shopping centre in Marbella and Miramar shopping centre in Fuengirola, decided to close their doors, looking out for the safety of staff working this last Sunday of the festive season as well as that of their customers.
The Andalusian regional government keeps Level 1 emergency activated under its Flood Risk Plan. President Juanma Moreno urged extreme caution, with ES-Alert messages sent to residents in 27 municipalities advising against crossing flooded areas or travelling near riverbanks.
Emergency 112 has logged over 120 incidents province-wide, primarily minor: flooded basements, obstructed roads, fallen trees, and landslides. Affected towns include Alhaurín el Grande, Alozaina, Ardales, Benahavís, Coín, Estepona, Manilva, Mijas, Pizarra, Tolox, and others. No injuries or fatalities have, thankfully, been reported so far.
Rainfall accumulations have topped 100 litres in areas like Casarabonela and Las Millanas, with intense bursts continuing in the Guadalhorce basin. Authorities are monitoring rising river trends closely, warning conditions could worsen if rains persist into the evening. Residents should stay informed via official sources and avoid unnecessary risks as Storm Francis impacts the region. A second Civil Protection Alert has been sent out to Costa del Sol areas for a red alert for flood risks.