Torrential rains battered Malaga province overnight from Saturday, December 27, into Sunday, December 28, causing severe flooding in parts and the Guadalhorce River to overflow, reaching its highest recorded level.
Spain’s State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) issued a rare (and terrifying) red alert – signifying “extraordinary danger” – for the Costa del Sol and Guadalhorce Valley regions on Saturday evening, warning of up to 120 litres per square metre in 12 hours. The alert triggered the ES-Alert system, sending loud warnings to mobile phones in 27 municipalities, including Malaga city, Cartama, Alhaurin el Grande, and Coin. The message told residents to avoid travel or going outside, to stay away from riverbanks, and to seek higher ground.
The Guadalhorce River burst its banks around midnight in Cartama, as it rose to a historic peak of 5.7 metres, surpassing the previous record of 5.52 metres, with flows exceeding 1,000 cubic metres per second. Mayor Jorge Gallardo described the situation as critical, posting videos of the raging waters and warning residents in vulnerable areas like Doña Ana to prepare for flooding.
Extreme levels of rainfall in Guadalhorce Valley with roads cut off
Extreme rainfall accumulations were recorded, including over 131 litres per square metre in Alhaurin el Grande and 118 litres in Fahala (Cartama). Roads were cut off, such as the MA-5401 in Casarabonela and the A-7057 in Cartama, disrupting traffic and isolating communities.
Andalucia’s regional government activated Phase 1 of its Flood Risk Emergency Plan, deploying police, civil protection, firefighters, and local crews. No major injuries were reported, but flooded streets, homes, and infrastructure caused widespread disruption. The red alert was lifted at 4am Sunday, and downgraded to orange and yellow in parts of the province, though rains continued.
Authorities continue monitoring river levels, with tributary rivers like the Grande also swollen. Residents are advised to exercise caution as cleanup begins.
Hail and wind caused havoc on the coast, with flooding lifting drain covers and expelling all that was inside onto the streets. Throughout Saturday night, the Emergency 112 service attended to more than sixty incidents related to the rains that fell throughout the day throughout the community, with the province of Malaga being the most affected by rainfall.
“Don’t let anyone let their guard down.”
The president of the Junta de Andalucía, Juanma Moreno, asked that “no one lower their guard tonight in Malaga” due to the rains in the area, which remained on red alert.