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Storm Leonardo continued to batter the Iberian Peninsula on Friday, causing severe flooding and forcing thousands of residents to evacuate their homes in Spain and Portugal. Authorities warned that another storm, Marta, is expected to arrive on Saturday, bringing additional rainfall and strong winds to regions already devastated by the current weather system.
In the Andalusia region of southern Spain, approximately 7,000 people were displaced from their homes due to consecutive storms. Among them, around 1,500 residents received evacuation orders for the mountainous village of Grazalema, where local authorities expressed concern about saturated groundwater levels on the verge of collapse.
Severe Flooding in Spain Prompts Emergency Response
Juan Manuel Moreno, president of the Andalusia region, warned that groundwater tables are completely full and at risk of failure. According to Moreno, rain continues to fall on already waterlogged terrain that cannot absorb or drain any additional moisture. He emphasized the need for extreme caution and stressed that the dangerous situation is far from over.
Tragically, Spanish police announced on Friday that they discovered a body approximately 1,000 meters from where a woman disappeared on Wednesday. The incident occurred in Malaga province after the woman fell into a swollen river while attempting to rescue her dog. Authorities have not yet confirmed the identity of the deceased, though they believe it is the missing 45-year-old woman.
Storm Marta Expected to Compound Weather Crisis
The Spanish meteorological agency reported that Storm Marta will bring more heavy rainfall and fierce winds on Saturday, affecting areas already impacted by severe flooding. The incoming weather system is expected to strike regions still reeling from Leonardo’s destruction, raising concerns about compounding damage and additional displacement.
Portugal is also bracing for the arrival of Storm Marta. Meanwhile, the Guadalquivir River in southern Spain has become a major source of concern for emergency officials. The waterway, which flows through Cordoba and Seville before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean, has experienced significantly elevated water levels in recent days.
Rising Water Levels Threaten Additional Communities
Local authorities in Cordoba warned that additional rainfall expected on Saturday could endanger more homes along the river’s path. The saturated ground conditions mean that even moderate precipitation could trigger further flooding and evacuations in vulnerable areas.
In Portugal, parts of Alcacer do Sal were submerged after the Sado River overflowed its banks. The flooding forced residents to evacuate the city, located approximately 90 kilometers south of the capital Lisbon. Portuguese authorities have issued warnings for several other regions due to rising water levels that pose similar risks to communities downstream.
Widespread Impact Across Iberian Peninsula
The consecutive storms have created a critical situation across both countries, with emergency services stretched thin responding to multiple simultaneous crises. The inability of waterlogged soil to absorb additional rainfall has amplified the flooding risk, turning even moderate precipitation into a potential disaster.
However, the full extent of property damage and economic impact remains uncertain as flooding continues. Additionally, rescue operations are ongoing in several affected areas where residents may be stranded or in need of assistance.
Authorities continue to monitor weather conditions and river levels closely as Storm Marta approaches. Emergency officials have not indicated when evacuated residents might be able to return to their homes, as the situation remains fluid and dependent on the severity of the incoming weather system.
