Heavy rainfall sweeping through Malaga has precipitated substantial disruptions in the region’s transportation systems, severely affecting both train services and road networks.
With a red warning issued for rain in the Malaga areas of Axarquía, Costa del Sol, and Guadalhorce, local authorities have suspended major train routes and urged travelers to exercise caution.
Train Services Suspended
The harsh weather has necessitated the suspension of the Malaga-Seville medium-distance rail service, a critical connection that links Malaga to Antequera and Seville. This decision was relayed by Oscar Puente, Spain’s Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, via social media, effective from 10:45 a.m. The suspension notably impacts trains that were set to leave Seville at 11:18 a.m. and Malaga at 1:24 p.m.
Puente articulated the importance of safety, stressing, “There is never too much caution. If you are cautious and make a mistake, you’ve only lost a few hours. But if you’re right, you may have saved lives.”
Furthermore, Puente also communicated that rail services between Malaga and Madrid have been halted due to the ongoing severe weather, a decision that highlights the gravity of the red alert and underscores the commitment of authorities to ensure passenger safety.
Road Closures and Minimal Traffic
In light of the relentless downpour, several roads throughout the Malaga province have been closed, affected by rain-induced hazards. The A-355 near Coín and the A-7054 as it traverses Malaga remain closed between specific kilometers owing to flooding issues. Additionally, the A-7286 near Campillos is currently closed in both directions, prompting authorities to advise motorists to avoid these travel routes.
Typically busy routes are experiencing significantly reduced traffic as residents heed warnings to stay off the roads. Authorities are consistently monitoring conditions closely, with further road closures likely should the rain persist.
Malaga Airport Operations Remain Stable
Despite the harsh rain, Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport continues to operate normally for the time being. Scheduled flights, including 149 arrivals and 147 departures, are proceeding as planned, as confirmed by Aena. Airport staff are on high alert, with additional personnel deployed to oversee runway conditions, public transport access, and manage water accumulation on the premises.
A crisis committee, which includes representatives from airport management, airlines, the State Meteorological Agency, and local security forces, convenes periodically to assess evolving conditions. Any alterations to operations will be contingent on real-time evaluations of weather conditions.
Malaga Metro Affected
The Malaga Metro service has also felt the impact of the severe weather. On Line 1, service is currently operating only partially, running between the Barbarela and Andalucía Tech stations. Meanwhile, operations on Line 2 have been temporarily suspended. Authorities have yet to provide a timeline for the resumption of full service as they continue to assess weather developments.
The EMT has suspended the urban bus service in Malaga due to the heavy rainfall that has resulted in flooding in various areas of the city.
Precautionary Measures Taken
In addition to halting rail services, the railway company Renfe has emphasized that this decision was made proactively based on weather forecasts, despite no infrastructure damage at that time. Enhanced safety measures are being implemented across Malaga’s transport hubs to safeguard the public. Airport maintenance teams are conducting frequent inspections, while information and signaling services remain active in monitoring for potential water accumulation in crucial areas.
The ongoing red alert for rain and flooding in Malaga has fostered a dynamic situation. Authorities strongly advise residents and travelers to stay informed about announcements and adhere to all advisories to prevent hazards. For those planning to travel in or around Malaga, checking transportation schedules and road conditions is of utmost importance, as additional disruptions may arise if weather conditions continue to decline.
**Interview with Oscar Puente, Spain’s Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility**
**Editor:** Good morning, Minister Puente. Thank you for joining us today amidst these challenging weather conditions in Malaga.
**Oscar Puente:** Good morning, and thank you for having me. It’s a critical time for our region, and I’m here to provide updates on the situation.
**Editor:** We’ve seen significant disruptions in train services due to heavy rainfall, particularly the suspension of the Malaga-Seville rail service. Can you walk us through the decision-making process behind this?
**Oscar Puente:** Absolutely. The safety of our passengers is our top priority, and with the red warning issued for areas like Axarquía, Costa del Sol, and Guadalhorce, we had to act quickly. The decision was not taken lightly; we assessed the risks and determined that halting services was the best course to prevent accidents and protect lives.
**Editor:** You mentioned the importance of caution in your recent statements. How are local authorities ensuring that travelers are informed and safe during this time?
**Oscar Puente:** Beyond suspending the train services, we are actively using social media and local news outlets to communicate with the public. We strongly encourage people to stay updated on conditions and avoid unnecessary travel. As I said, “There is never too much caution.” It’s better to lose a few hours than to endanger lives.
**Editor:** Along with the train services, we’ve heard about significant road closures due to flooding. How is your ministry coordinating efforts with local authorities regarding the road networks?
**Oscar Puente:** We are in constant communication with local agencies to monitor road conditions and respond swiftly to any hazards. We’re coordinating efforts to close affected roads, like the A-355 and A-7054, and advising motorists to steer clear. Traffic is considerably lighter as residents comply with these warnings, which is essential to their safety.
**Editor:** On a more positive note, Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport has been operating normally so far. What precautions are being taken to ensure continued safety there?
**Oscar Puente:** The airport staff are doing a remarkable job. We’ve deployed additional personnel to monitor runway conditions and manage water accumulation. The situation is stable at the moment, but we remain vigilant and ready to adapt if conditions change.
**Editor:** Thank you for your time today, Minister Puente. Your insights are vital as we navigate these challenging weather conditions.
**Oscar Puente:** Thank you for having me. Let’s hope for clear skies soon and don’t forget to stay safe out there.
