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Heavy rain batters Murcia as storm alerts remain in place
Storm Gabrielle brings flooding, rescues, and widespread disruption - with more downpours forecast today
People across the Region of Murcia are waking up to grey skies and flood warnings, as authorities continue to monitor the impact of torrential rainfall brought by the remnants of Storm Gabrielle.This Tuesday September 30, the State Meteorological Agency has set a rain and storm alert for the entire region, with orange level warnings overnight in the Vega del Segura, Guadalentín Valley, Lorca, Águilas, Campo de Cartagena, and Mazarrón areas. Here, forecasters expect up to 30 litres per square metre per hour, while the Altiplano and Northwest remain under yellow alert with half that amount predicted.
The worst of the weather struck on Monday, with rainfall in Molina de Segura and Murcia reaching between 40 and 74 litres per square metre in single downpours, leading to the overflow of gullies and widespread flooding on roads and streets.
Molina de Segura, Murcia, and Mazarrón have seen the most incidents, as Emergency Coordination Centre teams responded to over 250 calls and 178 rain-related cases between midday Monday and 8am today. Most of these were requests for help with road blocks and water pumping, but there were also 16 rescues, including multiple drivers trapped by flash floods on the N-301 highway.
Molina de Segura’s mayor, José Ángel Alfonso, said that, "although the municipality has escaped serious damage, dramatic images have emerged of floodwater covering major streets and venues." After touring the most affected zones, he explained: "We have suspended all recreational activities and our municipal plenary session, just in case, to avoid unnecessary risks."
Murcia city and local councils continue to advise residents not to park in flood zones and to keep windows and doors secure. At Ribera de Molina Hospital, several lift shafts flooded after pumps failed, adding to the night’s drama.
As the region remains under warning until at least 7am, and possibly throughout the morning, authorities are urging everyone to take extra precautions. With more heavy rainfall forecast, streets and roads are likely to stay difficult throughout Tuesday - and all eyes are on the skies, hoping for a break in the storms soon.
>>> Follow our Murcia Weather Watch Facebook group for more weather updates or see our Weather & Climate page <<<
Image: Pixabay/Pexels
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