Storm Forces Building Evacuations, Surgery Cancellations Amid Record Rainfall
Extreme weather conditions resulting from Storm Leonardo have prompted significant disruptions throughout Gibraltar. The storm, which brought over a month’s worth of rainfall in just three days, caused building evacuations and surgeries to be canceled.
Building Evacuations and Emergency Responses
In Turnbull’s Lane, a building was evacuated due to a partial wall collapse on Wednesday around 12:30 PM. The Gibraltar Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS), alongside the Royal Gibraltar Police and Ambulance Service, swiftly responded to the scene. GFRS Station Officer Jared Olivero reported approximately 20 emergency call-outs related to the adverse weather from Tuesday evening through Thursday afternoon.
- Types of incidents included:
- Flying debris
- Flooding
- Life entrapments
- Triggered fire alarms
According to Officer Olivero, the emergency responses were widespread across Gibraltar, not limited to specific areas. The heavy rain had a significant impact on city infrastructure and public safety.
Impact on Medical Services
The adverse weather led to limited water ingress into St Bernard’s Hospital’s Operating Theatres Department. However, Day Surgery services were minimally impacted. A government spokesman noted that while one operating theatre experienced water issues, a majority of Wednesday’s scheduled surgeries proceeded as planned, with three operations canceled.
- Cancellation details:
- Two surgeries rescheduled for Friday.
- The third procedure’s date is still being determined.
Record Rainfall and Weather Forecasts
Meteorologist Stephanie Ball from MeteoGib reported a staggering 100mm of rainfall recorded from Tuesday to Thursday morning. This amount surpasses Gibraltar’s February long-term average of 95.2mm. As unsettled weather conditions persist, additional rainfall and strong winds are expected to continue affecting the region.
Forecasts indicate:
| Day | Conditions |
|---|---|
| Friday | Possibility of sunshine with scattered showers |
| Saturday | Another storm approaching with heavy rain and strong winds |
| Sunday | Expected improvement in weather conditions |
Travel and Public Safety Updates
Due to severe weather, several roads across Gibraltar have been closed, including areas such as Rosia Bay and Camp Bay. The Royal Gibraltar Police confirmed that Camp Bay access will remain restricted until Monday. Additionally, the Upper Rock Nature Reserve is closed to the public until further notice.
In light of the storm’s impact, the Glacis Estate Constituency Meeting has been postponed. The RGP Control Room documented multiple calls regarding weather-related issues, indicating significant public concern and the need for continued vigilance during these turbulent conditions.
