After days of intense rainfall from a DANA (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos, or isolated high-altitude depression), authorities in Andalucía report that evacuations across Málaga and Cádiz have ended without loss of life. Over 4,000 residents had been displaced, particularly in Malaga’s Guadalhorce Valley, Campanillas River, and Vélez River areas. The region’s president, Juanma Moreno, confirmed that residents can now safely return, marking a ‘gradual and safe’ transition back to normalcy.

Schools and Universities Resume Across Andalucía

Following temporary closures in five provinces due to red and orange weather warnings, educational activities are set to resume fully. Nearly 1.3 million students and over 4,900 educational centers were affected, but all schools and universities, including those in Malaga, Granada, Sevilla, Cádiz, and Huelva, are expected to reopen or have already reopened.

Historic Flooding in Benamargosa

The small town of Benamargosa in the Malaga Province endured its worst flooding in a century. The town, known for the Río Benamargosa, saw the river overflow and streets filled with mud. Local folklore suggests that such flooding may signal an impending period of increased rainfall, which, if true, could bring much-needed relief to the drought-prone Axarquía region. However, the recent flooding has caused significant damage, leaving many homes, shops, and agricultural fields submerged.

Continuing Weather Warnings in Huelva and Other Areas

Though the DANA is nearing its end, the Spanish weather agency (Aemet) has issued additional warnings for Huelva and other regions. Several areas remain on alert for rain, storms, and rough seas, particularly in parts of Andalucía, Castilla y León, and Extremadura. For now, only Huelva remains under a high orange alert, while warnings elsewhere have been reduced or lifted.

Landslide in Malaga’s Serranía de Ronda

Malaga’s mountainous Serranía de Ronda region also felt the impact of the DANA, with landslides and flash floods affecting towns like Gaucín and Jimera de Líbar. In Jimera de Líbar, heavy rains triggered a mudslide that swept through the town, damaging homes, cars, and streets. Emergency responders have been working around the clock to clear debris, with additional support from nearby Marbella.

DANA in Spain: Looking Ahead

The DANA’s grip on Spain is loosening, and weather conditions are expected to improve by Friday, November 15. As Andalucía and other regions continue to recover, authorities and residents remain vigilant, focusing on long-term infrastructure improvements to mitigate future weather disruptions.

As Malaga’s residents return to their daily routines, many are reflecting on how recent precautions in response to severe weather events may have saved lives. Witnessing the tragic impact of the DANA in Valencia has prompted cities across Andalucía to prioritize early warnings and evacuations, actions that Malaga’s residents say made a crucial difference during this storm. The coordination of emergency teams and these safety measures highlights the importance of community preparedness in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.

How have these recent extreme weather events impacted your community? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going.

Main image: X/@E112Andalucia