Spain and Portugal had barely caught their breath from the devastating effects of Storm Leonardo when they found themselves facing a new climate challenge with the arrival of Storm Marta, which brought with it a new wave of heavy rain and strong winds, prompting authorities in both countries to raise the alert level to the highest levels in anticipation of widespread flooding and landslides.
Alert in the Iberian Peninsula
Spain's national meteorological agency (AEMET) has issued orange alerts, the second-highest level, for much of the south, particularly in Andalusia, as well as in the northwest. The greatest risk stems from the fact that the soil is already saturated with rainwater from the previous storm, reducing its capacity to absorb more water and increasing the likelihood of flash floods and dangerous runoff.
In neighboring Portugal, the National Civil Protection Authority declared a state of alert in eight provinces in the center and south of the country, warning of very rough seas with waves that could reach 13 meters high on the coasts, as well as the risk of flooding in low-lying areas and riverbanks.
A worrying climate context: Iberia as a "hot spot"
These successive storms cannot be separated from the broader context of climate change, which is increasingly affecting the Mediterranean region. Scientists classify the Iberian Peninsula as one of Europe's climate change "hotspots," where the region is experiencing sharp climatic shifts. These shifts manifest as longer, drier, and hotter summers, and winters characterized by more intense and concentrated rainfall over shorter periods. This pattern leads to devastating cycles of severe drought followed by devastating floods, placing immense pressure on infrastructure, water resources, and the agricultural sector.
Expected local and regional impacts
Locally, the storms have already caused significant disruption to daily life. Train services have been widely suspended as a precaution, many roads have been closed, and authorities have urged residents to limit their travel as much as possible. Storm Leonardo has claimed two lives in Spain and forced authorities to evacuate more than 10,000 people from their homes in the Andalusia region alone.
Regionally, these events highlight the importance of cooperation between Spain and Portugal, which share the management of major river basins such as the Douro and Tagus. Heavy rainfall in Spain directly translates into rising water levels and flood risk in Portugal, necessitating ongoing coordination in dam releases and the exchange of meteorological data to minimize damage on both sides of the border.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his concern about the "difficult days ahead," emphasizing that the government is closely monitoring the situation. The president of the Andalusia region, Juan Manuel Moreno, also warned that "rivers are about to overflow," urging extreme caution.
