Floods and Heavy Rainfall Hit Madrid Region, Spain

Over the weekend, record levels of rainfall deluged the Madrid region in Spain, resulting in flooding, disruptions to transport, and at least two reported deaths, according to authorities.

Following months of severe drought and high temperatures, Madrid’s Mayor, Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida, issued an advisory on Sunday urging citizens to remain indoors. The flash floods trapped motorists, washed away vehicles, and led to the suspension of certain rail services.

Spain’s national weather agency, AEMET, issued a maximum red alert on Sunday, indicating extreme danger in the Madrid region, Toledo province, and the city of Cadiz. Although the alert level was lowered to yellow on Monday, the risk of ongoing rainfall persisted.

Almeida noted that Madrid’s previous record for rainfall in 1972, with 87 liters per square meter, was likely to be surpassed, as forecasts predicted the possibility of up to 120 liters per square meter.

The meteorological phenomenon responsible for the heavy rainfall, known as “DANA” (the Spanish acronym for “isolated high-level depression”), began on Sunday afternoon and continued into the night.

Madrid’s emergency services issued text messages advising residents to stay at home and avoid driving. Spain’s state rail service also suspended rail operations between Madrid and the eastern coastal area of Valencia and other lines.

The heaviest rainfall was observed in Madrid and Castilla-La-Mancha, following months of scorching heat and drought in Spain.

Reports suggest that at least two people have lost their lives, and one person is currently missing.

The adverse weather conditions led to the postponement of the LaLiga soccer match between Atletico Madrid and Sevilla, scheduled for Sunday evening at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid.