Torrential downpours in a popular Spanish holiday hotspot turned roads into rivers, with locals screaming for help as the cascading water knocked them off their feet. The dramatic weather event struck Jaen, Spain, around 8pm yesterday, lasting only 20 minutes but causing widespread chaos.
Storm Causes Chaos in Jaen
Footage from the scene showed pedestrians struggling to stay upright as water surged through the streets. Motorists were overtaken by floating wheelie bins, and a man was carried down a city street as if he were in the middle of a raging river. The ferocious storm lifted paving stones and turned cafe and bar terraces, where people had been enjoying the sunshine, into flood zones.
Around 30 litres of rain fell in just 20 minutes, according to local weather chiefs. Police and firefighters received 110 calls about flooding in garages and basements. Council officials declared a 'pre-emergency' phase after the violent downpour and worked through the night to restore normality. Power cuts affected several areas.
No Injuries Reported Despite Dramatic Scenes
Despite the dramatic scenes in the city of 110,000, it was confirmed this morning that no one had been hurt. One local caught up in the storm said: 'What I've just experienced was incredible.' Another resident, Maria del Mar Sanchez, said: 'I've never seen anything like this in my lifetime. Amazing.'
The storm may have been brief, but its impact was severe, leaving a trail of destruction in Jaen and the surrounding areas. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as cleanup efforts are underway.
