More than 11,000 residents across Spain and Portugal have been compelled to evacuate their homes as Storm Leonardo continues to unleash severe winds and torrential rains upon the Iberian Peninsula. The relentless weather system, which struck on Tuesday, has already claimed two lives and prompted authorities to declare a state of calamity in numerous municipalities.
Tragic Fatalities Amidst Rising Floodwaters
A man, believed to be approximately 70 years old, tragically lost his life in Portugal's southern Alentejo region on Wednesday when his vehicle was overwhelmed by floodwaters. In a separate incident, police in Malaga, Spain, discovered a body on Friday near the location where a woman had been swept away by a river while attempting to rescue her dog.
Widespread Evacuations and Imminent Threats
Thousands of individuals are now being urgently relocated due to escalating fears of further flooding. In the Spanish village of Grazalema, situated in a mountainous area, 1,500 residents were evacuated as water infiltrated through building walls. The region's permeable rock formations, which risk dissolving under excessive water absorption, heighten concerns about potential structural collapses.
Areas adjacent to the Guadalquivir River in Cordoba have been evacuated overnight following a dramatic surge in water levels. Juan Manuel Moreno, the regional leader of Andalusia, cautioned during a press conference that even modest rainfall—such as the 30mm anticipated on Saturday—poses significant risks because saturated soils cannot drain effectively, and rivers and reservoirs are already at capacity.
Government Response and Ongoing Risks
Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro announced on Thursday that his government has extended a state of calamity across 69 municipalities until mid-February, citing "unprecedented" rainfall and flood threats. Mario Silvestre, commander of Portugal's ANEPC civil protection service, identified six rivers at risk of major flooding, with the Tagus river basin placed on red alert due to abruptly rising water flows.
In the Portuguese town of Alcacer do Sal, displaced residents recounted fleeing with only the clothes on their backs, expressing profound loss and uncertainty. Volunteers have been actively assisting in evacuation efforts and distributing donations to those affected.
Another Storm on the Horizon
Compounding the crisis, Spanish state weather agency AEMET has issued warnings that another storm, named Marta, is approaching the region. This succession of severe weather events underscores the urgent need for continued vigilance and preparedness as communities grapple with the devastating impacts of extreme conditions.
