Dozens of British holidaymakers were among approximately 200 people urgently evacuated from a picturesque Spanish resort area between Malaga and Gibraltar, following reports of the ground trembling and serious concerns that a long-defunct dam could potentially burst its banks. The dramatic incident unfolded in the Estacion de Benaojan neighbourhood, a popular tourist spot nestled within the mountains, prompting a full-scale emergency response on Friday afternoon.
Emergency Evacuation Ordered Amid Terrifying Tremors
Local authorities and emergency services mandated the complete evacuation of the town around 4pm on Friday, after terrified residents described feeling a strong tremor that sent people rushing into the streets in panic. The unsettling vibrations were attributed to water forcefully surging through extensive limestone cave systems located directly beneath the community. This alarming situation was triggered by persistent heavy rainfall from Storm Leonardo, which has saturated the surrounding region over recent days.
Century-Old Dam at the Heart of the Crisis
The focal point of the emergency is the Montejaque Dam, an abandoned structure originally constructed in the 1920s but later decommissioned because it could not effectively retain water. Built upon porous rock, the dam has historically leaked into the subterranean caves below the town. Following the deluge from Storm Leonardo, these underground caverns have reportedly filled with water for the first time ever, increasing pressure on the ageing infrastructure and raising fears of a catastrophic failure.
Francisco Parra, a local resident, recounted the moment Civil Protection officers arrived, stating, "The Civil Protection officers arrived and told us we had to leave our houses, that the hillside was giving way." The mayor of Benaojan confirmed the evacuation was "due to the weather conditions and the risk of the Montejaque dam overflowing."
British Tourists Caught in the Chaos
A significant number of those evacuated were British tourists, many staying at the Molino del Santo hotel, a favoured accommodation for UK visitors situated mere metres from the river. Emergency personnel conducted a door-to-door retrieval operation, safely escorting around 200 individuals, including locals and tourists, to a village located at a higher elevation in the mountains for their safety.
Geological Explanations and Official Reassurances
Geologists have suggested that the terrifying tremors experienced by residents likely resulted from water forcing air and liquid through the network of underwater caves, creating seismic-like vibrations. Despite the alarming events and the precautionary evacuation, government representative Javier Salas, who visited the affected area, sought to provide reassurance, indicating there was no imminent danger and that the area was not expected to face flooding.
Broader Regional Weather Crisis
This localised emergency occurs against the backdrop of a wider weather crisis affecting Southern Europe and North Africa. Storm Leonardo has already caused significant disruption, leading to the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people across Spain, Portugal, and Morocco due to severe flooding and freezing temperatures. The Portuguese government declared a state of emergency, labelling the aftermath a "devastating crisis." Furthermore, meteorological warnings indicate the situation may worsen, with Storm Marta forecast to arrive on Saturday, threatening to unleash further misery upon the already beleaguered region.
