A severe weather pattern dubbed the “storm train” is unleashing intense rain and strong winds in Spain and Portugal, prompting approximately 11,000 individuals to evacuate their residences.
Emergency teams are swiftly mobilizing in response to reports from Sky detailing the impact on the Iberian Peninsula this week, leading to evacuations, flooding, and extensive damage across various areas. In Portugal, a tragic incident occurred in the Alentejo region where a 70-year-old man lost his life after his vehicle was swept away by floodwaters.
Concurrently, Spanish authorities announced the discovery of a body near the location where a woman was carried away by a river in Malaga while attempting to rescue her pet. Regional leader Juan Manuel Moreno cautioned that despite seemingly low rainfall figures, the current conditions are perilous due to saturated soil and overflowing rivers and reservoirs.
Witnesses in the town of Alcacer do Sal in Portugal recounted chaotic scenes as floodwaters inundated streets and homes, leaving one resident desolate with nothing. Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro extended a state of calamity to 69 municipalities until mid-February, citing the “unprecedented” rainfall endangering multiple regions. Civil protection officials highlighted the risk of significant flooding in at least six rivers, with the Tagus river basin on high alert following a rapid surge in water levels.
Meteorologists are issuing warnings about the “storm train,” a sequence of storms expected to bring more hazardous conditions in the upcoming days. With Storm Marta looming, authorities are preparing for potential additional evacuations if river levels continue to rise and heavy rainfall persists.
Numerous individuals have been relocated due to the flooding, with homes in Alcacer do Sal submerged underwater. The Pozo de los Humos waterfall in Spain is experiencing unusually high water flow due to the torrential downpours. Additionally, images capture the impact on communities as residents salvage belongings from inundated properties and volunteers organize donations for those affected by the storm. Evacuees from Grazalema and Benaojan seek shelter at a sports center, highlighting the widespread impact of the severe weather conditions.
