Intense rainfall and flooding trigger emergency operations while weather alerts remain active across multiple regions.
Málaga — Emergency services are searching for two men reported missing in the province of Málaga after heavy rainfall and flooding caused by a powerful storm system that has hit large parts of southeastern Spain. The adverse weather has led to widespread disruptions, evacuations and hundreds of emergency interventions as conditions worsened across Andalusia, Murcia and the Valencian Community.
Authorities said the two missing men, both around 50 years old, were swept away by fast-moving floodwaters in the municipality of Alhaurín el Grande after intense overnight rainfall. Their vehicle was later found severely damaged near a watercourse, but no trace of the occupants has been located so far. Search operations involving firefighters, police units and rescue teams have continued despite difficult conditions.
Across the province of Málaga, emergency services responded to more than 300 incidents related to flooding, rescues and water damage affecting at least 27 municipalities. Several rivers and streams overflowed following sustained downpours, inundating homes, garages and businesses. Firefighters carried out multiple rescues of residents trapped in flooded buildings, while some families were evacuated as a precaution.
The Guadalhorce River reached exceptionally high levels before beginning to recede later in the day. Authorities maintained close monitoring of river basins and flood-prone areas, warning residents to avoid ravines, riverbeds and low-lying roads. Rail services in the region were disrupted, with several commuter trains halted due to flooded tracks, and some road connections were temporarily closed.
Meteorological agencies issued red weather alerts for parts of Málaga during the night, later downgraded as rainfall intensity decreased. Despite the improvement, officials stressed that the risk of flash flooding remained high due to saturated ground and continued rainfall in surrounding areas.
The storm system also caused significant impact in the Region of Murcia, where intense rainfall affected both urban and rural zones. Emergency alerts were issued as water accumulated rapidly in streets and agricultural areas, particularly in the Vega del Segura. Local authorities warned of possible overflow in irrigation channels and drainage systems, urging residents to remain vigilant.
By the afternoon, weather alerts in Murcia were lowered, though emergency services continued to respond to incidents caused by residual flooding and strong winds. Officials emphasized that the situation remained unstable and that conditions could change rapidly depending on rainfall patterns.
In the Valencian Community, orange weather alerts remained active in several areas, particularly in provinces near the coast. Preventive evacuations were ordered in some municipalities as a precaution against rising water levels in ravines and riverbeds. Flooding was reported in low-lying zones, and motorists were advised to avoid non-essential travel due to hazardous road conditions.
The severe weather has highlighted the vulnerability of southeastern Spain to extreme rainfall events, especially during periods of atmospheric instability. Authorities coordinated efforts across regional and local levels to manage the emergency response, including the opening of temporary shelters and the deployment of additional rescue resources.
Weather services forecast that the storm system will gradually move away from the Iberian Peninsula, although heavy rain and strong winds may persist in some coastal and island areas before conditions fully improve. Officials reiterated safety recommendations, urging the public to follow emergency guidance and avoid unnecessary risks.
As search efforts continue in Málaga, authorities remain focused on locating the missing individuals while assessing damage and restoring normalcy across affected regions.