Málaga recovers swiftly as floodwaters recede and sun returns
Evacuations of residents, flooded streets and homes, waterlogged fields, and closed educational institutions have been the reality in Málaga in recent days. What is the current situation?
15 November 2024 14:09
After the torrential rains from weeks ago, another wave of heavy rainfall has hit Spain recently. Rainfall of approximately 94 millimetres paralysed the city, turning streets into rivers. On 12th November, we received alerts with warnings, not only us but also tourists with Polish phone numbers, and it all started on Wednesday. The drainage systems couldn’t cope with the water. Schools, universities, and the metro were closed. Long-distance buses were also halted, reported Joanna Karońska, a guide from Málaga.
Approximately 4,000 people were evacuated from flooded areas. We learned about the current situation.
Málaga has recovered from the floods
Málaga has swiftly recovered, and the flood has stabilised, which should please not only residents and local entrepreneurs but also tourists who, during the autumn gloom, are looking for a place to relax with temperatures above 20°C.
"No threat of rainfall! The red alert in Málaga has been lifted. Currently, there are no weather alerts in the province of Málaga!" reads a Facebook post by Magdalena Kokotkiewicz, a licensed guide in Andalusia.
Work is still ongoing in the city to mitigate the effects of the flood. The beaches are still polluted—you can find branches or broken twigs there—but visiting museums and strolling through the historic parts of the city is possible. On Wednesday, the Málaga airport redirected its flights or operated them with delays, but today, it operates without issues. The situation is similar to public transport in the city, except for trains, where minor disruptions may still occur in rail connections.
It's safe. We lack nothing. You can walk the streets with dry feet; there's no water. You can already see tourists, including organised groups from travel agencies, summarised our interviewee, Magdalena Kokotkiewicz. In fact, it's all over. Today, the sun is shining in the city, added Joanna Karońska in a conversation on 15th November.
Flood threat—what should tourists do?
Reports of extreme weather events such as floods, strong winds, fires, etc., and their effects pose dilemmas and cause considerable fear among tourists. Recent situations have made many tourists wonder whether a planned trip to Spain in the near future is at all feasible, and if so, whether it is a wise choice.
First and foremost, one must remember that the safety of travellers is always a priority for tour operators and airlines. If a tourist service—a flight, accommodation, or organised event—is feasible, there is no danger. In such a case, the service contract is fulfilled according to its terms, admitted Marzena German, a tourism market expert. A client always has the right to withdraw from the contract, but if circumstances do not justify the cancellation, she added that they must be prepared to bear the cancellation costs.
What should one do when the media reports on downpours, fires, or other threats? If the situation makes the trip impossible, in justified cases, the agency will offer substitute services or refund the money, she explained.
