MADRID, Spain – Spain is grappling with severe flooding as Storm Martinho unleashes torrential rains across the country, prompting evacuations and widespread damage. The recent deluge, following years of drought, has overwhelmed rivers and reservoirs, leading to states of emergency in several regions.

In Mejorada del Campo, near Madrid, 48 residents were evacuated due to the rising waters of the Jarama and Henares rivers. The Manzanares River in Madrid has also triggered road closures as authorities remain on high alert. Officials are actively releasing water from the El Pardo reservoir to mitigate further flooding.

The city of Ávila, in central Spain, declared a state of emergency after the Adaja and Chico rivers overflowed, causing significant flooding. Dozens of roads have been closed throughout central and northern Spain as rivers burst their banks.

In Toledo, emergency crews have erected flood barriers around a hospital for paraplegic patients as the Tagus River continues to swell. Authorities are prepared to evacuate residents if necessary.

Meanwhile, in the southern Andalusia region, the Guardia Civil police force is conducting an ongoing search for a motorcyclist who disappeared four days ago. Footage shows officers wading through a river near Pujerra in their search efforts.

The recent heavy rainfall, while alleviating the prolonged drought, has presented new challenges as reservoirs and riverbanks struggle to contain the sudden influx of water. Scientists and officials attribute these extreme weather swings, characterized by alternating periods of drought and intense rainfall, to climate change, which is also contributing to Spain’s increasingly hot summers.