Submerged houses and people safe on roofs due to violent floods in the Mediterranean: 140 thousand evacuated in Morocco and over 6 thousand in Andalusia

In recent years, extreme weather events are becoming less and less exceptions and more and more part of normality. Intense rainfall concentrated in a few hours, rivers that quickly exceed warning levels, territories unable to absorb such large quantities of water: the Mediterranean is one of the areas most exposed to the effects of climate change, with a huge increase in sudden and difficult to predict flood phenomena.

This is demonstrated by the floods currently affecting Spain and Morocco where exceptional rainfall has caused mass evacuations, blocked infrastructure and large-scale rescue operations. From the provinces of Andalusia to the northern regions of Morocco, water has invaded population centers and rural areas, forcing thousands of people to leave their homes or seek shelter on roofs while awaiting rescue.

Northern Morocco overwhelmed by rains

The north-west of Morocco is grappling with one of the most serious weather emergencies of recent months. According to the Ministry of the Interior, over 140,000 people were evacuated due to torrential rains which caused numerous rivers to overflow and put dams under pressure, now close to maximum capacity. The evacuation operations were partly preventive, but in many areas they were urgent interventions to save residents trapped by the water.

Several people rescued from rooftops

In several locations, especially in the province of Larache, hundreds of people found shelter on the roofs of homes after water invaded the lower floors. The rescue efforts took place with boats and helicopters, while the Moroccan army was mobilized to support civil protection and set up temporary shelters for the displaced. The most affected provinces remain Larache, Kenitra, Sidi Kacem and Sidi Slimane, with the Loukkos River and the Sebou among the most critical waterways.

At the moment there are no victims recorded, but the authorities are maintaining a high level of attention. Weather forecasts indicate that the rains and strong winds could continue at least until today, increasing the risk of new floods, especially in rural and agricultural areas already hard hit.

Storm Leonardo hits Spain

The situation also remains delicate in Spain, where the Leonardo storm has especially brought Andalusia to its knees. Here the number of evacuees has risen to over 6,000 people, including all the residents of the municipality of Grazalema, where more than 600 liters of rain per square meter fell in 36 hours. Rivers such as the Guadalete have exceeded warning levels, causing widespread flooding and landslides.

Roads closed and transport suspended

The consequences are clear: over 140 roads closed, schools suspended, rail links interrupted and an orange weather alert in seven regions. The Guardia Civil and the Army Emergency Unit continue rescue operations and searches for a missing woman in the province of Malaga. The authorities invite the population to limit their movements and to follow the emergency warnings in the next few hours.

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