Flash Floods Ravage Southern Spain: 365 Homes Evacuated Near Málaga

Heavy rainfall has resulted in significant flash floods in southern Spain, prompting the relocation of residents from 365 houses in Campanillas, close to Málaga. Local authorities have closed off several roadways and halted lessons at eight educational institutions within the area. Water levels keep increasing with nineteen rivers under high alert, posing additional risks for destruction.

The storm named after Laurence moved across the region during the night, bringing approximately 100 mm of rain along with winds reaching speeds of up to 90 kilometers per hour. Areas most affected were in the Guadalhorce Valley, particularly where the Campanillas River overflowed, submerging several roads. Additionally, both the Turón and the Guadalhorce Rivers exceeded their boundaries, causing sections of Cártama and Almogía to be inundated.

The authorities are carefully watching over the Casasola dam, as it currently holds 25 million cubic meters of water, surpassing its intended limit of 22 million cubic meters. In an effort to avoid damaging the structure, they've started releasing water in a regulated manner into the Campanillas River, thus raising the possibility of flooding further downriver.

Scientists and government representatives link the severe weather conditions to climate change, which has exacerbated Spain's pattern of extended dry spells followed by intense, destructive deluges. As water reserves approach crucial thresholds and infrastructures face pressure, specialists caution that these climatic occurrences might occur with greater regularity.

Emergency services are still on high alert as they startcleanup efforts, while those who have been forced from their homes look for shelters and evaluate the destruction. Authorities are advising everyone to stay cautious since waterlevels keep changing unpredictably, indicating that additional evacuations might be required.