Juanma Moreno Urges Vigilance: “We Cannot Lower Our Guard”
In a timely warning, Juanma Moreno, the President of the Junta de Andalucía, emphasized the need for vigilance amidst ongoing weather emergencies. His statement, “We cannot lower our guard,” highlights the serious impact of storm Leonardo and the anticipated effects of the impending storm named Marta. Heavy rain was already observed in the southwestern regions of Andalucía early in the afternoon, with Moreno stressing that the emergency situation remains critical and is expected to last until at least the following Tuesday.
Storms Impacting Andalucía
Moreno described the current weather events as a unique sequence of storms, noting the significant economic repercussions anticipated from this phenomenon. Economic losses from these storms could reach millions of euros, as the region grapples with severe rainfall that has already strained infrastructure.
Severe Weather Predictions
- The national meteorological agency (AEMET) predicts approximately 200 liters of rain per square meter by Monday in regions including Jerez, Málaga, and the Campo de Gibraltar.
- Emergency services coordinated nearly 9,800 incidents since January 27.
- Cádiz province alone has faced 1,992 emergency situations.
Moreno indicated the agricultural and tourism sectors are heavily affected, with restoration costs estimated at 500 million euros. He assured citizens that efforts are being made to guarantee their safety and support those who have been displaced.
Current Evacuations and Safety Measures
As of recently, over 11,000 individuals remain evacuated across Andalucía, with Cádiz accounting for more than 8,000. Evacuations were reported in municipalities like Vejer de la Frontera and Zagra where landslides and falling debris posed immediate risks.
- In Granada, 388 individuals were evacuated, alongside additional evacuations in Montefrío.
- Écija and Tocina are currently seeing organized evacuations of vulnerable populations, including elderly residents.
Infrastructure and Transportation Challenges
Due to flooding and landslides, many roadways throughout Andalusia remain impassable. The Córdoba airport is closed, and most train services in the region have been suspended. The Guadalquivir River has reached alarming levels, nearly six meters high, prompting considerable safety concerns.
Regional Response and Support
The situation in Grazalema mirrors the gravity of the crisis, with nearly 600 liters of rainfall recorded in a single day. The town has been evacuated, creating fears that residents may not return for weeks. Ongoing assessments by hydrology experts will determine future risks and recovery plans.
Additionally, the government of Castilla-La Mancha has issued alerts regarding potential river overflows affecting local communities, underlining the widespread impact of this weather system.
A Call for Solidarity and Resources
Moreno announced plans to mobilize all budgetary resources to support recovery efforts. He aims to access state contingency funds and EU solidarity resources to aid regions severely affected by the storms.
This call to action arrives in light of the ongoing challenges posed by these powerful storms, and it is clear that the region must remain vigilant as the situation unfolds.
