Sánchez Visits Storm-Affected Areas in Andalucía
On Friday, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited areas in Andalucía severely affected by Storm Leonardo. Departing from the Moncloa Palace at 10 AM, he utilized a Super Puma helicopter from the Air Force for the assessment.
Sánchez’s Inspection of Affected Areas
During his visit, Sánchez aimed to gather firsthand information from operational command officials at the San Roque Command Post in Cádiz. His discussions centered on the ongoing emergency response efforts and damage assessments.
Key Information and Events
- Date of visit: Friday
- Helicopter Used: Super Puma 8
- Location of Command: San Roque, Cádiz
- Press Conference Time: Approximately 12 PM
Government Response to Storm Leonardo
Vice President María Jesús Montero provided updates from Huelva. She highlighted the extensive response measures taken by the government and shared significant statistics:
- Preventive Evacuations: Over 8,000 individuals, including 3,400 from Jerez.
- Water Management: 24 reservoirs are currently releasing water due to maximum capacity.
- Communities Incommunicado: 15 municipalities are temporarily isolated.
- Road Closures: 152 roads affected, with 50 in Cádiz.
- Emergency Personnel: 400 UME (Military Emergency Unit) personnel deployed.
Montero emphasized the urgency of monitoring certain regions, particularly near Córdoba where the Guadalquivir River is expected to peak. Additional concerns involved municipalities like Grazalema, which faced total evacuation due to water accumulation, as well as areas in Málaga, including the Serranía de Ronda.
Looking Ahead
As storm conditions evolve, Prime Minister Sánchez reaffirmed the government’s commitment to support affected communities. He noted the possibility of more evacuations as conditions warrant, particularly concerning the Guadalquivir’s limits.
The serene weather following Storm Leonardo presents a brief respite for the region, with schools set to reopen. However, officials remain vigilant about potential flood risks and ongoing infrastructure assessments.
