Andalusia Floods 13/11/24
It was a surreal experience during dinner on Tuesday evening when my phone suddenly erupted with an unfamiliar sound. Upon checking, I discovered a Civil Protection Alert indicating that a Red Warning for heavy, persistent rain had been activated for the area. Thankfully, I was aware of the impending weather and had already cancelled a trip that I had planned with a few friends for Thursday.
From the villa terrace during the heaviest rain storms.
Merely two weeks following the flash floods that took hundreds of lives in Valencia, Malaga appeared to be on the brink of a similar disaster, with its streets turning into rapid rivers. Banks, shopping centre's, and hospitals were indeed flooded, halting the region's bus and train services, as well as vital infrastructure. Fortunately, the impact was not as severe as in Valencia, with the Spanish meteorological agency Aemet downgrading the red alert to orange for Malaga after a new low-pressure system arrived. Thankfully the villa being around 1000ft up in the mountains of Mijas the impact wasn't greatly felt and although the rain was torrential at times and we encountered a short power outage we suffered no flooding.
Video of Malaga centre.
Thursday 14th November 2024 🌥️22C ~ SE @ 5MPH ~ Taking advantage of the clearer weather following yesterday's storms, I first made my way to Cantera Los Arenales (Mijas Quarry), which is a brief drive uphill from the villa. Followers might remember the significant damage it incurred from the massive wildfire in July 2022. For details, see my previous post. After visiting the Quarry, my plan was to head down to Zapata, close to Malaga airport.
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| Mijas Quarry |
I spent my time around the rocky outcrops of the car park, which, fortunately, was spared from the fires. This area is typically home to species like the Rock Bunting, Dartford Warbler, and Black Wheatear. However, today was quieter, with a strong breeze posing challenges. Ultimately, I found Black Wheatear and Rock Bunting, and only heard a Dartford Warbler. I did, however, come across a striking male Black Redstart, a notable discovery amidst the numerous female-type Black Redstarts that winter in Andalusia.
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| A striking male Black Redstart. |
From this point, I proceeded to Zapata, aiming for the side of the ford opposite to where I anticipated less pipeline construction. Upon arrival, it was unsurprising yet devastating to find the entire area submerged. Below is a before and after view of the ford at Zapata, an area that was once a treasured wildlife area.
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| The ford across the Rio Guadalhorce at Zapata taken around the same time last year. |
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| The ford at Zapata with the ongoing pipe-laying and storms with the Guadalhorce in full flood. |
It must be acknowledged that wildlife can be remarkably resilient. Despite the devastation, I discovered a Green Sandpiper in one of the less flooded storm channels, accompanied by a couple of Common Sandpiper, a Little Egret, and a first-winter Bluethroat amidst the remnants of the reedbeds.
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| Black Wheatear |
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| Rock Bunting |
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| 1st winter Bluethroat |
