Hundreds of people have been ordered to leave their homes in Benaojan amid fears a nearby dam will overflow and cause potentially devastating floods.
Some 200 residents are being evacuated from Estacion de Benaojan due to the growing risk from the Los Caballeros dam, which is no longer in use and has no regulation system.
The dam, situated in nearby Montejaque, only has built-in overflow outlets. Emergency officials ordered the full evacuation of the settlement after the reservoir reached critical levels and water began approaching the spillways.
With continued heavy rainfall, authorities fear a sudden release of water could put the community at serious risk.
The Benaojan Town Hall announced the decision via social media, citing adverse weather conditions and the danger of the reservoir overflowing.
The Estacion de Benaojan lies directly beside the Guadiaro River, which receives water from the Montejaque reservoir through the Hundidero–Gato cave system.
A rapid rise in river levels could cause significant damage to the area, prompting officials to clear the entire neighbourhood as a precaution.
At this stage, it remains unclear where residents without alternative accommodation will be rehoused.
Local authorities have stressed that there is currently no risk in Benaojan’s main town centre, although geologists remain on site monitoring ground stability.
The situation has raised concern after residents reported vibrations and underground noises, similar to those recently experienced in Grazalema, another mountain town affected by saturated ground and karst geology.
Following these reports, specialist geologists were dispatched to assess the terrain around Benaojan, which sits on the slopes of the Sierra de Libar.
According to municipal sources, the geological characteristics of the area are comparable to those of Grazalema, increasing concerns about potential landslides or structural instability.
Expert teams are now analysing the situation and Guardia Civil patrols have been reinforced in the area.
Some 30 residents were also evacuated from parts of Benaojan’s main centre due to fears of a retaining wall collapse, while 23 people were forced from their homes in the Estacion area after a nearby slope gave way and flooding affected several properties.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
