Historic rain accumulations across Malaga result in severe flash floods, Spain

Authorities are expected to declare a disaster area for parts of Malaga, including the Costa del Sor resort of Estepona, after devastating flash floods swept through the region over the past couple of days. 

Military emergency response unit was mobilized October 21, 2018, to use helicopters to rescue some 2 000 residents trapped in the holiday resort of Estepona after devastating flash floods swept through Malaga. 

One person was killed, a 47-year-old fireman, after the fire engine he was driving overturned and ended up in a swollen river. Two of his colleagues managed to escape but the driver was swept away by strong currents.

Schools in Estepona and several others across the municipality are closed today.

Some areas received more than half the rain they normally get in a year in just a few hours, with local reports describing the deluge as 'historic.'

Alpandeire in Malaga received 355 mm (13.9 inches) of rain on October 21, of which 289 mm (11.3 inches) fell in less than 6 hours, 119 mm (4.6 inches) in 1 hour and 24 mm (0.94 inches) in 10 minutes.

Cuevas de Nerja received 41.6 mm (1.6 inches) of rain in 10 minutes and 74.2 mm (2.9 inches) in 20 minutes.

Huercal-Overa in Almeria received 216.3 mm (8.5 inches) in 4 hours and 275 mm (10.8 inches) in 6 hours.

Featured image credit: Guardia Civil