US EditionStorm Leonardo forces evacuations in Spain and Portugal with more rain on the way
Over 1,600 residents were evacuated from Grazalema after Storm Leonardo caused unprecedented rainfall that saturated aquifers, raising flood and landslide risks, officials said.
- Juanma Moreno, Andalucian regional president, ordered a full evacuation of Grazalema on Thursday as a precaution, with local authorities relocating residents to prepared facilities in Ronda, Málaga province.
- Storm Leonardo dumped record rainfall with accumulations over 10 days exceeding 1,300 litres per square metre, and Grazalema received around 390 to 400 l/m² in 16 hours.
- Footage and reports show groundwater bursting into homes, with water gushing from plug sockets and walls despite Grazalema's 900 metres elevation and porous terrain being overwhelmed.
- Authorities are conducting door-to-door evacuations coordinated by the Guardia Civil and the Military Emergency Unit, as Moreno warned saturated aquifers can trigger landslides amid over 7,454 weather incidents in Andalusia since late January.
- With fewer than 2,000 residents and roughly 69 foreign residents, Grazalema is long known as Andalucia's rainiest pueblo blanco, impacted by near 1,300 l/m² over ten days.
39 Articles
39 Articles
The Independent
The Independent (US)Rescuers race to save animals trapped by severe floods in Spain
Video footage has captured the moment rescuers race to save animals trapped by severe floods in Spain. Hundreds of thousands of people have been evacuated in Spain, Portugal and Morocco after Storm Leonardo caused widespread flooding. The military has been called in to help rescue people from their homes, with the Portuguese government extending a state of emergency. Saturday (7 January) is expected to see the arrival of Storm Marta, which will …
Deadly Storm Leonardo Ravages Spain and Portugal, Leaving One Dead and a Girl Missing
Storm Leonardo has battered Spain and Portugal with powerful winds and heavy rains, resulting in widespread disruption, one confirmed death, and a young girl reported missing, authorities announced Sunday. The severe weather system has prompted emergency responses across the Iberian Peninsula as residents brace for continued adverse conditions. This developing situation underscores the growing impact [...]
Several thousand evacuated in southern Spain amid storm Leonardo
Torrential rains brought by storm Leonardo have forced the evacuation of an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 people across southern Spain, including the entire population of the small hillside town of Grazalema in Cadiz Province, local authorities said on Thursday.
The president of the Junta de Andalucía, Juanma Moreno, has asked to wait for the geological reports of the CSIC technicians to assess when the 1,600 people from Grazalema (Cadiz) who on Thursday had to be evicted due to the risk of collapse could return to their homes, indicating that "it might be reasonable" to extend the perimeter of eviction.In statements to journalists from Huétor Tajar (Granada), the president has sent a message of tranqui…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 41% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
