Storm Francis: severe flooding and evacuations in Malaga province

Storm Francis has brought extreme rainfall to Malaga province, forcing dozens of residents to leave their homes and prompting authorities to activate emergency flood plans across parts of inland and coastal Andalucía. Rivers burst their banks, roads were cut and public transport was disrupted as the storm tore through the area over the weekend.

Rivers overflow and families evacuated

Inland areas west of Malaga city were among the worst affected, with local authorities reporting that around 30 people had to be evacuated as a precaution when floodwaters rose rapidly. Emergency shelters were opened in municipal sports centres to receive residents from low‑lying neighbourhoods close to swollen rivers and streams.

Three rivers in the province – including the Río Grande, Guadalhorce and Manilva – spilled over after intense rainfall, overwhelming drainage systems and flooding nearby fields, streets and properties. This latest incident comes just days after deadly flooding in Malaga and Granada provinces that claimed three lives and left dozens of buildings badly damaged.

Red weather alerts and emergency plans

Spain’s state weather agency AEMET issued red alerts for parts of Malaga as Storm Francis dumped huge amounts of rain in a matter of hours. In response, the Junta de Andalucía activated its regional flood emergency plan, placing police, firefighters and civil protection units on high alert.

Local councils warned residents in flood‑prone zones to move vehicles away from riverbeds, underground garages and known trouble spots, and advised people to avoid unnecessary travel while the worst of the storm passed. The military’s emergency unit (UME) was reported to be on standby in case reinforcements were needed for rescues or large‑scale pumping operations.

Road closures and transport disruption

The heavy rain caused landslides and surface flooding on several secondary roads, leading to temporary closures and diversions in affected municipalities. In some areas, interurban bus services were suspended or severely reduced, and local police urged drivers to avoid fords, underpasses and rural tracks where water levels were unpredictable.

Urban areas also saw streets turned into temporary torrents, with images of cars stranded in brown water and ground‑floor premises taking in mud and debris. Clean‑up operations are now under way, but authorities have warned that more rain could complicate recovery work over the coming days.

Fourth major flood in under a year

For towns like Cártama in the Guadalhorce valley, this latest flooding is part of a worrying pattern. Local officials note that this is the fourth major flood event in less than a year, following severe storms in November 2024, March 2025 and December 2025 that left streets caked in mud and many homes and businesses inundated.

After the deadly floods in late December, Cártama called on Madrid to declare the municipality a disaster zone, citing dozens of damaged properties and repeated episodes of rivers overtopping their banks. The impact of Storm Francis will add to the evidence that some parts of inland Malaga are facing increasing flood risk during periods of extreme weather.

Practical advice for residents and second‑home owners

Authorities are urging anyone in flood‑prone areas of Malaga province to stay tuned to official weather alerts, avoid driving through standing water, and move vehicles and valuables away from underground garages and low‑lying storage areas when serious warnings are issued. Residents are also being advised to keep key documents, medications and basic supplies accessible in case of short‑notice evacuations.

Owners of second homes along the Costa del Sol and in inland villages are being encouraged to check insurance coverage for flood damage, make sure contact details with communities and property managers are up to date, and arrange for someone local to inspect properties after major storms. With several severe floods in under a year, local councils are likely to keep pushing for improved river management and drainage upgrades in the most affected zones.