Weather experts have warned of ‘very worrying’ scenes in parts of inland Malaga amid torrential downpours that are bringing river streams close to their limits.
Among the most at risk areas overnight were Tolox, Cartama, Coin and Alhaurin – with reports of flooding also in Monda.
It came after state weather agency Aemet issued a red weather alert for the Costa del Sol and Guadalhorce Valley on Saturday night.
The warning, meaning there is an extreme risk to safety, was due to be in place until 4am on Sunday.
Aemet predicted up to 120mm of rainfall per square metre in the affected areas.
Meteorologists at Storm Malaga described the situation in both Tolox and Cartama as ‘critical’ at around 11pm.
It wrote in a post on X: ‘Very aware of the sudden rise of the #RioGuadalhorce. In the municipality of #Cartama, critical hours can be experienced. In some areas, the river has already overflowed its banks.’
Footage shared online from Tolox shows a stream rapidly rising beneath blocks of apartments and an adjoining car park.
In Alhaurin el Grande, streets were filmed completely submerged by flood water and hail.
The red alert was issued for the Costa del Sol and Guadalhorce Valley due to the extreme storms, flooding and torrential rain.
The warning was sent to thousands of mobile phones in the region at around 9.15pm.
The alert from the Proteccion Civil read: ‘Given the current situation: exercise extreme caution and avoid unnecessary travel.
‘Do not cross flood-prone areas and obey road closures.
‘Do not carry out activities in riverbeds or nearby areas. If you are in a flood-risk zone, seek higher ground or move to an upper floor.’
It advised anyone in an emergency situation to call the 112 hotline.
