Madrid on Alert: Manzanares River Overflowing Due to Heavy Rains and Snowmelt

Madrid is currently grappling with a critical situation as the Manzanares River is experiencing a significant surge in its water level. Heavy rainfall combined with snowmelt from the Sierra de Guadarrama and increased discharge from the El Pardo dam by the Confederación Hidrográfica del Tajo (CHT) has caused the river's flow to increase fifteenfold. Emergency services are working tirelessly to monitor the situation and implement precautionary measures.

Traffic Disruptions and Road Closures

Painunam Activated: Emergency Measures in Place

The capital has been placed under Level 1 of the Painunam (Plan de Inundaciones) emergency phase since Monday. Inmaculada Sanz, the Deputy Mayor and Delegate for Security and Emergencies, has emphasized that the area surrounding the Manzanares River, especially the unchannelled section between Mingorrubio and Puente de los Franceses, poses the greatest risk. This area is currently marked off, and access is strictly prohibited. «The situation is critical, and we are taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our citizens,» stated Sanz during a press conference.

CHT Continues to Release Water

The CHT is continuing to release water at a substantial rate, approximately 60 cubic meters per second. This has led to significant overflow in areas like the Somontes recreation area, although no major roads have been affected thus far. Monitoring is also underway along the Jarama River, particularly in the Muñoza, Rejas, and auxiliary areas of the airport.

Ecologistas en Acción Calls for Action

Regional Alert: Madrid Comunidad Under Inuncam

The entire Community of Madrid has been under Operational Situation 1 of the regional Inuncam (Plan de Inundaciones regional) emergency phase since Monday, marking the third time in nine days. Vigilance is being maintained across the basins of the Jarama, Lozoya, Guadarrama, Alberche, Tajuña, and Henares rivers. The advanced command post of Inuncam remains active at the headquarters of the Agencia de Seguridad y Emergencias Madrid 112 (ASEM 112) in Pozuelo de Alarcón, closely monitoring precipitation levels and their impact on the region's rivers and roads.

Authorities Urge Caution and Reduced Travel

Weather Forecast and Weekend Advisory

The Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (Aemet) extended the yellow weather warning for rain across the entire community until 2:00 AM on Friday. The Sierra region is expected to receive an additional 40 liters per square meter in 12 hours, with localized areas potentially exceeding 60 liters in 24 hours. For Friday, Aemet forecasts light rain and widespread showers, especially in the Sierra, which remains under a yellow warning. Carlos Novillo, the Minister of Environment, Agriculture, and Interior, has advised citizens against making trips to the Sierra this weekend.

Impact Across Municipalities and Reservoir Management

The recent storms have affected 87 municipalities across the Madrid region. The Canal de Isabel II and the CHT have been continuously releasing water from their reservoirs since Monday. Most of the reservoirs managed by Canal de Isabel II were above 75% capacity on Thursday, with El Villar reservoir at 100%. The CHT is also discharging water from the San Juan and Picadas reservoirs in the Alberche basin, as well as El Pardo in the Manzanares basin.

Red Alert Threshold Exceeded in Several Stations

Seven gauging stations in the region have exceeded the red alert threshold, indicating «highly dangerous hydrological situations with probable flooding of inhabited areas and closures of major communication routes.» These stations include Henares in Espinillos; Jarama in Algete, Mejorada-San Fernando, San Fernando, and Puente Titulcia; Aulencia in Aldea del Fresno; and Tajo in Puente Algodor.

Recommendations

The situation remains fluid, and authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety. Updates will be provided as the situation evolves.