Heavy rainfall in Spain has caused significant damage in the southeastern part of the country, particularly in cities like Valencia and Almeria. Reports from eyewitnesses describe the rain as torrential, with some comparing it to the end of the world. In Andalusia, numerous greenhouses were destroyed, and videos circulating on social media show cars being washed away. Residents also reported unusually large hailstones falling during the storm.
In El Ejido, located about 30 kilometers west of Almeria, the storm wreaked havoc, leaving hundreds of cars dented with broken windows and many houses damaged. Mercedes Gonzalez, a 46-year-old farmer, described the hailstones as large as golf balls and likened the scene to doomsday. The storm has caused extensive damage to her plantations, leaving the plastic torn and riddled with holes, resulting in a near-total loss of crops.
The region, known for its fruit and vegetable production, is facing a significant setback as highways and roads had to be closed in many parts of southern and eastern Spain. The disruption also affected air and rail travel, with several schools and universities canceling classes. A high-speed AVE train traveling from Malaga to Madrid derailed near the town of Álora due to a rockslide, but fortunately, no injuries were reported among the 291 passengers on board.
The storm, accompanied by heavy rain, hail, and gusts of wind reaching speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour, led to the issuance of severe weather warnings in nine out of the 17 autonomous communities in Spain. Some areas received up to 180 liters of water per square meter within a span of twelve hours. The weather service Aemet reported that the adverse weather conditions are expected to persist until Thursday, with the situation gradually improving across the country.
While the Balearic Islands, including Mallorca, experienced heavy rain on Monday, the weather has since calmed down in those regions. However, certain areas, including Mallorca, are still under a yellow weather warning. The overall weather situation is expected to normalize by Thursday, providing relief to the affected regions.
