Seville and Córdoba, Spain – Authorities in Andalusia are bracing for continued widespread flooding as the Guadalquivir River reaches historically high levels, prompting preventative evacuations and the activation of emergency protocols. The situation, described as exceptional, follows weeks of persistent storms and saturated ground conditions across the region.
María Jesús Montero y Moreno, a local official, has urged residents in the affected areas to exercise “maximum prudence” and avoid unnecessary travel to prevent further complications, according to reports from El Mundo. The call for caution underscores the severity of the unfolding crisis, with officials prioritizing the safety of citizens amidst the escalating floodwaters.
The Guadalquivir River Basin Authority (CHG) reports that the river’s flow levels are unprecedented in recent decades. This surge is attributed to a combination of factors: a prolonged series of storms – including Ingrid, Joseph, Kristin, Leonardo, and, most recently, Marta – coupled with already saturated soil and controlled releases from reservoirs to prevent dam failures. The CHG emphasizes that January saw average rainfall accumulations of around 160 millimeters, leaving the land unable to absorb further precipitation.
The current flooding is considered among the most significant in the last 46 years, though authorities note that reservoir management and recently constructed defenses offer a degree of protection not available during major floods of the 20th century. Despite these safeguards, the risk of localized overflows and damage to vulnerable areas remains high, leading to infrastructure closures and ongoing surveillance.
The situation is particularly critical in traditionally flood-prone areas, including low-lying agricultural plains, urban stretches adjacent to riverbanks, and downstream sections of the Guadalquivir. The Junta de Andalucía has raised the emergency level to 2, allowing for support from external bodies, including the military.
Beyond Seville and Córdoba, the province of Huelva is also facing a severe crisis. A red alert – the highest possible warning level – has been issued for coastal areas due to torrential rain, with authorities urging residents to remain indoors and avoid all non-essential travel. Emergency alerts were sent directly to mobile phones on , warning of “extreme danger.”
According to reports from Euro Weekly News, over 900 emergency incidents were reported in a single day, primarily in Seville province, involving flooded streets, trapped drivers, fallen trees, and damaged buildings. The regional emergency service, 112 Andalucía, responded to 69 incidents in Seville, five each in Cádiz and Huelva, and one in Córdoba.
The city of Cádiz is also under a red alert, specifically in the Grazalema area, due to extreme rainfall. Concerns are focused on the Guadalete River, which overflowed last week, forcing the evacuation of 600 people. The Serrania de Ronda in Malaga province is facing an “extraordinary” risk, with attention centered on the Guadiaro River, which also overflowed recently.
The current crisis builds upon a pattern of increasingly severe weather events in Andalusia. The Spanish Eye reports that the CHG’s real-time hydrological system (SAIH) shows red, orange, and yellow alerts across Sevilla, Cordoba, Granada, and Jaen, indicating that river systems are operating near capacity.
The situation in Huelva is particularly acute, with the weather agency issuing a red alert for torrential rains. Sur in English reported that the forecast predicts up to 120mm of rainfall in 12 hours, exacerbating the already challenging conditions.
The widespread flooding across Andalusia highlights the increasing vulnerability of the region to extreme weather events, likely linked to broader climate trends. The combination of saturated soils, persistent rainfall, and the need for controlled reservoir releases creates a complex and dangerous situation, demanding a coordinated response from local and national authorities. The focus remains on protecting lives and minimizing damage as the region braces for further rainfall and potential river overflows.
