A man has been found dead after being swept away by floodwaters in Malaga, as violent storms continue to lash Spain's Costa del Sol. The discovery comes after red weather alerts were issued for the region, with roads transformed into raging rivers.
Search Operation Underway for Second Missing Man
The body of a 53-year-old man was discovered this afternoon, several kilometres from where the van he was travelling in was found earlier today. The vehicle, which showed significant damage, was located in the Fahala River in the town of Alhaurín el Grande.
He had been missing along with a 54-year-old friend since last night. The pair were last seen leaving a restaurant on their way to Malaga, heading in the direction of Las Lomas. Authorities suspect that, confronted by severe flooding, they attempted to abandon their vehicle and continue on foot.
The search for the second man remains active and urgent. About 100 people are involved in the operation, combing the area along the entire course of the Fahala River and its mouth, in case the currents have carried him further downstream.
Major Emergency Response Deployed
The large-scale search involves multiple agencies working through difficult conditions. Participants include the Civil Guard, Local Police, Civil Protection volunteers, and the Provincial Firefighters Consortium (CPB).
Specialist resources have been deployed, as confirmed by the Subdelegation of the Central Government in Malaga. These include patrols, helicopters, and the Special Group for Underwater Activities (GEAS). Canine units from the SOS Desaparecidos Association have also joined the effort.
The local council has stated that the search will continue for as long as necessary. They have issued a stark warning to the public, urging extreme caution and reminding people of the mortal danger of attempting to cross rivers or streams during heavy rainfall.
Second Incident in Granada Underlines Storm Dangers
In a separate but related incident, a motorcyclist is missing in the province of Granada after being dragged away by water. The event occurred this Sunday in the municipality of Íllora.
The man was riding with two others along the Cañada stream in the Sierra de Parapanda area. When he tried to cross the stream, which was swollen far beyond its normal level due to the storm, he was swept away. A search for him is now underway.
These tragic events underscore the ferocious power of the storms currently hitting southern Spain. The red weather warnings indicate a high level of risk to the public, with emergency services stretched as they respond to multiple incidents. Officials continue to plead with residents and visitors to avoid all unnecessary travel and to heed safety advice.
