Spain, Portugal brace for new storm after floods kill 2, displace 11,000

"Both countries issued warnings of further flooding after previous heavy rains had submerged roads, disrupted train services, and displaced thousands. Portuguese forecasts warned of heavy rain, strong winds, and rough seas, with alerts active across the country. In Spain, much of the south, particularly Andalusia, and the northwest were placed on orange alert for heavy rain and violent storms, the national meteorological agency Aemet said."

"While rainfall was expected to be less exceptional than during Storm Leonardo, authorities cautioned that saturated ground increased the risk of flooding and landslides. New downpours in Andalusia added to earlier rain that had already caused widespread flooding, landslides, and forced more than 10,000 people from their homes. Many roads remained closed, and rail services were largely suspended, with officials urging residents to limit travel wherever possible."

"Mario Silvestre, commander at Portugal's civil protection agency, described the forecast as extremely worrying. Juan Manuel Moreno, president of the Andalusia region, wrote on X that the rivers have hit their limit, warning of gusts of wind reaching 110 kilometres per hour (68 miles per hour), landslides, and flash floods."

Storm Marta is approaching Portugal and Spain, prompting Portugal to mobilise more than 26,500 rescuers. Three Portuguese municipalities postponed a presidential vote because of severe weather. Storm Leonardo previously caused deadly floods that killed at least two people and forced over 11,000 residents to evacuate. Flood warnings and alerts are active across both countries, with orange alerts in Andalusia and northwestern Spain and warnings in Castilla y León, Galicia, Murcia, and the Valencian Community. Saturated ground increases risks of flooding and landslides. New downpours have caused additional evacuations, road closures, rail suspensions, and widespread property damage, with officials urging residents to limit travel.

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