The Costa del Sol is experiencing yet another bout of weather chaos amid the passing of Storm Francis.
Flooding, washed away cars and burst rivers have been reported from Manilva and Estepona to Cartama in inland Malaga.
It comes after a red alert was issued shortly before 3pm on Sunday, with urgent alarms sent to mobile phones across the region.
Aemet is warning of up to 120mm of rainfall per square metre in the affected areas, covering the Costa del Sol and Guadalhorce Valley.
The public weather service said the western half of the Costa del Sol is expected to be worst hit by the weather.
Footage shared online by firefighters showed a car about to be washed away by floodwater in Estepona.
Rescuers were filmed checking there were no people inside the white vehicle. They later confirmed it was empty.
In Manilva, pictures showed how some homes had been flooded before the red alert was even issued.
In inland Malaga, the Turon river is close to overflowing near the town of Ardales and remains on an orange alert, while the Rio Grande has already burst near Guaro.
In Cartama, the Rio Guadalhorce has once again burst its banks, causing widespread flooding.
The Red Cross is already in the town setting up an evacuation centre.
Cartama town hall said in a statement: ‘The table tennis pavilion at Estación de Cártama (between Calle Verdi and Avda. Francisco Gómez Cañete) has been enabled to accommodate people from the municipality and neighbouring localities who have been affected by the floods.’
The red alert message sent to phones read: ‘Civil Protection Alert: Red alert activated – In this situation: exercise extreme caution, avoid unnecessary travel.
‘Do not cross flood-prone areas and respect road closures. Do not carry out activities in or near riverbeds.
‘If you are in a flood-prone area, seek higher ground or go to an upper floor.
‘Consult the recommendations of 112 Extraordinary Risk – due to rain.’
Read more Costa del Sol news at the Spanish Eye.
