Storm Leonardo hits Spain: 3,000 evacuated and red alert issued
The Iberian Peninsula, particularly southern Spain and large parts of Portugal, is on high alert due to the effects of Storm Leonardo , which has brought torrential rains and powerful winds. These severe weather conditions have prompted authorities to take emergency measures, including widespread evacuations and disruptions to essential services, reflecting the severity of the climate fluctuations affecting the region.
The aftermath of the Leonardo storm in Andalusia
The southern Spanish region of Andalusia bore the brunt of the storm, experiencing torrential rains described as "exceptional" by the Spanish National Meteorological Agency (Aemet). These extreme weather conditions led to the evacuation of nearly 3,000 people from their homes as a precautionary measure to avoid loss of life, particularly in areas near rivers and landslide-prone slopes.
The damage wasn't limited to residential areas; it also paralyzed transportation. Train services were suspended on several routes, and local authorities announced the closure of most schools in the region, with the exception of those in the easternmost province of Almería, to ensure the safety of students and teachers. Authorities advised residents to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
Red alert and flood risks
The meteorological agency issued a "red alert," its highest level of weather warning, covering the regions of Cádiz and Ronda, as well as the surrounding mountain ranges. Agency spokesperson Rubén del Campo warned of the severity of the situation, stating, "The ground is very saturated, rivers are overflowing, and there could be very large floods," adding that there is a risk of landslides and flash floods that could sweep away everything in their path.
Reflecting the scale of the disaster, Carlos García, the mayor of Grazalema, described the night as "very difficult." Speaking on public television, he explained that rainfall had reached record levels, with the region recording 180 liters per square meter since midnight, placing immense pressure on infrastructure and drainage systems.
Climate change and its impact on the Iberian Peninsula
Storm Leonardo has once again highlighted the reality of climate change in southern Europe. The Iberian Peninsula is among the regions most affected by global warming, experiencing an extreme weather pattern that combines prolonged heat waves and severe droughts with short periods of torrential and destructive rainfall.
Climate experts believe that rising temperatures in the Mediterranean and Atlantic Oceans are contributing to increased water evaporation, which in turn fuels storms with more moisture and energy, making them more intense and frequent. This recurring pattern poses significant challenges for local governments in developing infrastructure and strengthening emergency plans to cope with natural disasters that are no longer uncommon.
