VIDEOS: Summer storm batters northwest Murcia with hail, flooding and emergency evacuations
Heavy downpours and icy roads caused widespread disruption in Caravaca, Calasparra, Moratalla and other towns this Thursday
A sudden summer storm swept across the Region of Murcia on Thursday July 24, lashing the north of the Region with torrential rain, hail and flooding. The storm follows a prolonged heatwave in the area, marking a sharp and unexpected shift in weather.
Among the worst affected towns was Caravaca de la Cruz, where nearly 20 residents had to be evacuated and spent the night in the municipal sports pavilion after their homes were flooded.
Caravaca de la Cruz, Región de Murcia ⛈️🌊 pic.twitter.com/9I5C61wISf
— ☈ Meteosureste (@meteo_sureste) July 24, 2025
The regional emergency services (112) received 53 calls in total, mostly concentrated in Caravaca de la Cruz (24) and Calasparra (12), between midday and 10pm.
As the storm intensified after 10.30pm, the Civil Protection Plan for Floods (INUNMUR) was activated at emergency level 1.
The severe weather caused chaos across several towns. In Cehegín, more than 30 litres of rain per square metre fell in just ten minutes, accompanied by hail and intense lightning.
The local Works Department inspected the streets and surrounding districts, while concerns grew about possible flooding of the Argos and Quípar rivers.
Calasparra was hit by a violent hailstorm, with some hailstones exceeding two centimetres in diameter. In Moratalla, the storm smashed car windows with large hailstones and caused extensive flooding. The highest rainfall was recorded in the Las Canales area of Moratalla, reaching 85.2 litres.
⚠️🌧⚡️🧊
— MeteoAltiplano (@MeteoAltiplano) July 24, 2025
¡¡ Diluvia en zonas de #Jumilla, con algo de #granizo y #lluvia importante !!
¡ Calles como ríos.... !
🎥🔝: Juanjo Pérez.
¡ #Precaución ! pic.twitter.com/UDVKsKfoTT
Caravaca also recorded nearly 30 litres in under 10 minutes, with rainfall intensity peaking at over 100 litres per hour. The storm forced the evacuation of residents from two streets – Cuesta de la Plaza and Calle Doctor Fleming – due to flood risks.
Seventeen people were relocated to the municipal pavilion, where the local council provided temporary beds and support.
🌊 Gran Vía de Caravaca de la Cruz
— La 7 (@la7tele) July 24, 2025
🔗 https://t.co/pFF6Af4lYE
📹 @slnatalia pic.twitter.com/6iKkfb8p8r
Elsewhere, lightning strikes contributed to the outbreak of several small forest fires in Jumilla, Yecla and Alhama de Murcia, which were quickly contained by environmental agents and forestry brigades.
Ironically, the heavy rain helped extinguish the flames and prevented further spread.
Road closures were reported, particularly the route between Calasparra and Moratalla, due to water damage and debris. Emergency services and local police remain on alert this Friday 25 in case of further incidents, but thankfully nobody has been reported injured.
Images: Ayuntamiento de Caravaca de la Cruz
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