Malaga bounces back: City regains stability post-flooding
Evacuations of residents, flooded streets and houses, waterlogged fields, and closed educational institutions—this was the reality in Malaga in recent days. What's the current situation?
15 November 2024 16:18
Following the recent tragic rains, another wave of heavy rain hit Spain over the past few days. Rainfall exceeding 94 mm paralyzed the city, turning streets into rivers. The drainage systems couldn't handle the water. Schools, universities, and the metro were closed. Long-distance buses were also halted, reported Joanna Karońska, a guide from Malaga.
About 4,000 people were evacuated from flooded areas. We've now learned about the current situation.
Malaga has recovered from the floods
Malaga quickly recovered, and the flood situation has stabilized, which should please not only residents and local entrepreneurs but also tourists who, during the autumn gloom, are looking for a place to relax in temperatures above 20°C.
"No threat of rainfall! The red alert in Malaga has been lifted. Currently, there are no weather alerts maintained in the province of Malaga!" 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 Malaga airport was redirecting flights or operating them with delays, but today it operates without issues. The situation is similar with public transport in the city, except for trains, where minor disruptions may still occur.
- It's safe. We lack nothing. You can walk the streets with dry feet, there's no water. You can already see tourists, including organized groups from travel agencies, summarized 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 November 15.
Flood threat - what should tourists do?
Reports of extreme weather events such as floods, strong winds, fires, etc., and their effects cause tourists to face dilemmas and significant fear. Recent situations have led many tourists to wonder if a planned trip to Spain shortly is at all possible, and if so, whether it's a good idea.
- 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 organized event—is feasible, there is no danger. In such cases, 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? - Contact the organizer, responds the expert. - If the situation makes the trip impossible, in justified cases, the agency will offer substitute services or refund the money, she explained.
