Malaga bounces back: Flood waters recede, city open for visitors
Residents' evacuations, flooded streets and houses, waterlogged fields, and closed educational institutions have been the reality in Malaga in recent days. What is the current situation?
2:54 PM EST, November 15, 2024
Following the tragic rains weeks ago, another heavy rain hit Spain recently. Rainfall exceeding 3.7 inches paralyzed the city, turning streets into rivers. On November 12, we received alerts with warnings. The drainage systems couldn’t handle the water. Schools, universities, and the metro were closed. Long-distance buses were also halted, as reported by Joanna Karońska, a guide from Malaga.
About 4,000 people were evacuated from flooded areas. We learned about the current situation.
Malaga has recovered from the floods
Malaga quickly recovered, and the flood situation has stabilized, which should be a relief to not only residents and local entrepreneurs but also tourists who, during the autumn gloom, are looking for a place to relax in temperatures above 68°F.
"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, Malaga's airport redirected some flights or operated them with delays, but today it functions without issues. The situation is similar with 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 organized groups from travel agencies," summarized our interviewee, Magdalena Kokotkiewicz. "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, and fires, and their aftermath put tourists in a dilemma and cause considerable fear. Recent situations have left many tourists wondering if a planned trip to Spain shortly is possible, and if so, whether it is a good idea.
"First and foremost, one must remember that the safety of travelers is always a priority for tour operators and airlines." If a tourist service—a flight, accommodation, or organized event—is feasible, it means 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, they must be prepared to bear the cancellation costs," she added.
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.
