Torrential rain caused widespread flooding across key towns on the Costa del Sol on Wednesday.
Among the affected areas were holiday hotspots such as Fuengirola, Mijas, and Torremolinos, despite advance warnings from Spain’s national weather agency AEMET.
In Fuengirola, more than 43 litres of rain per square metre had fallen by Wednesday afternoon, swamping parts of the town, including the Miramar shopping centre area and several sections of the popular Rey de España seafront promenade.
Social media quickly filled with criticism, as residents questioned how flooding had returned so soon after the town completed major drainage upgrades in July.
That €8.6 million project – including a large stormwater tank and collector pipe – took 19 months to complete and was designed to prevent exactly this kind of disruption.
Locals, particularly those living and working along the promenade, expressed frustration after once again facing waterlogged streets and damage with the very first heavy rain of the season.
The local sewage network came under such pressure that in some areas, including Avenida Jesus Santos Rein, manhole covers were blown open, with sewage and foul smells spilling into the streets.
Emergency services also had to assist a driver trapped in a deep water pool near the Sohail Castle.
In Mijas, flooding was reported in Las Lagunas and along the Coín road, with the heaviest rainfall recorded in the Sierra de Mijas at 32.2 litres, according to local water authority Hidrodur.
The town hall activated its operational response teams and is monitoring the situation in coordination with local schools and parent associations.
Flooding also hit the Riviera Park area, where roads were temporarily blocked due to water build-up.
Torremolinos and Benalmadena Also Hit
Torremolinos saw 38.4 litres of rainfall, leading to surface flooding in several areas. The stormwater system was overwhelmed in spots such as Calle Decano Jose Gomez Rando, Plaza de las Comunidades Autonomas, and Plaza del Remo, where lifted manholes added to the chaos.
While there have been no reports of injuries, authorities confirmed that incidents are being handled and the situation is under control.
Benalmadena also suffered flooding, particularly along its seafront promenade, where water accumulated rapidly during peak downpours.
Ojen Records Heaviest Rainfall
The heaviest rainfall in the region was registered in the town of Ojén, where nearly 50 litres fell in just 12 hours, followed by Fuengirola’s 43.3 litres.
The yellow weather alert issued by AEMET remains active across Málaga province until midnight, with forecasts still warning of further rain, thunderstorms, and even the possibility of waterspouts.
