Storm Emilia leaves flooding, mudslides and more disruption on Murcia roads
Totana, Mula, Pliego and Alhama de Murcia were the municipalities most affected by this weekend’s rain
This Sunday December 14, Storm Emilia – one of those ones big enough to be worthy of receiving its own name – dumped huge amounts of rain on pretty much every corner of the Region of Murcia, especially in the western half, where the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) activated an orange alert for rain and storms.
According to data collected by the Segura Hydrographic Confederation (CHS), the municipalities that got the most rainfall today were Totana (77mm), Pliego (67mm), Alhama de Murcia (61mm) and Mula (55mm).
In the northwestern area, the Ayuntamiento de Cehegín, Civil Protection and Local Police cut off access to the Quípar River. Civil Protection in Mula also reported that the river overflowed at the Curtis Bridge on the RM-C20 road, preventing traffic from passing.
Several roads were affected by Storm Emilia, with waterlogging, rockfalls, mudslides and wayward scrub bushes sweeping across the tarmac being the main culprits.
The 112 Emergency Services reported complications on the following roads:
- RM-23: Alhama de Murcia-Mazarrón
- RM-2: Alhama de Murcia-Cartagena
- RM-E10: Alhama de Murcia
- RM-603: Alhama de Murcia-El Palmar (Murcia)
- RM-515: Alhama de Murcia-Mula
- RM-714: Jumilla-Venta del Olivo-Calasparra-Caravaca de la Cruz
As of early this morning, Monday December 15, all of the roads in the municipality of Mazarrón have been reopened, though several Alhama roads are still shut.
Most of the incidents reported to 112 involved traffic accidents (21 calls), water removal from homes or premises (16 calls), rescues (14 calls) and obstacles on the road that hindered traffic (25 calls).
By municipality, Alhama de Murcia had the highest number of calls (42), followed by Murcia (21), Las Torres de Cotillas (8) and Totana (8).
The Region of Murcia’s Firefighting and Rescue Consortium has reinforced the Alhama de Murcia station to deal with water pumping and similar incidents.
Schools closed in Los Alcázares
Los Alcázares Town Council has decided to suspend classes this Monday in three schools due to the risk of the rambla overflowing when it reached its maximum flow level of 3.10 metres at 5am this Monday morning.
Town mayor Mario Cervera explained that the decision was taken as a preventive measure in view of the forecast of continued rainfall throughout the day and the proximity of several schools to flood-prone areas. Specifically, the closure affects the Antonio Menárguez-Costa secondary school, the Bienvenido Conejero Requiel primary school and the associated nursery school.
Advice for road use in adverse weather
If you absolutely must use your car, it is recommended that you reduce your speed, take extreme precautions and do not stop in areas where large amounts of water may flow.
In the event of sudden storms and heavy rain, you should take into account where you park your vehicle.
Related stories: How to drive safely through flood water (if you absolutely have to!)
The rapid rise in water levels can damage vehicles parked in flood-prone areas and even sweep them away, as has been seen on too many occasions in this region.
If it starts to rain heavily, there is a risk of flooding.
“Do not drive or walk through flooded areas, as you do not know what may be under the water, and locate the highest points in the area,” say Civil Protection authorities.
>>> Follow our Murcia Weather Watch Facebook group for more weather updates or see our Weather & Climate page <<<
Image 1: Ayuntamiento de Totana
Image 2: Policía Local de Mazarrón
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