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Date Published: 19/03/2025

Seville takes action as rising river levels spark flood risk

City officials close floodgates and evacuate at-risk areas as Guadalquivir River swells

Seville has activated Emergency Phase Level 1 in response to rising water levels in the Guadalquivir River and surrounding waterways, following heavy rainfall and the controlled release of water from overflowing reservoirs. The city council has taken precautionary measures, including closing the floodgate in the Triana defence wall and shutting the IMD sports facilities in Vega de Triana.

A temporary shanty town in the Vega area, home to around 30 people, has also been evacuated, with residents relocated to safer areas. Emergency services, including the Local Police, Civil Protection, National Police and 112, have been fully mobilised to manage the situation and prevent potential damage.

Authorities have begun a phased evacuation of flood-prone areas on the left bank of the Guadalquivir as the river’s water levels continue to rise due to the release of excess water from reservoirs. Special attention is being given to the Vega de Triana park, where flood-prone sections have been cordoned off, and vehicles are being removed from the area as a precaution. Residents are advised to avoid riverside areas and follow emergency service updates.

Despite the recent improvement in weather conditions, the high volume of water accumulated over the past weeks has pushed many reservoirs to near capacity. In response, controlled discharges have significantly increased the flow of the Guadalquivir, which has already caused flooding in some areas. In Lora del Río, where the river has reached record levels, the local council has also activated its own emergency plan to mitigate the impact on neighbourhoods such as El Calerín and Al-Andalus. Drainage pumps have been installed to manage floodwaters, with authorities expecting the water level to keep rising until early Wednesday morning.

Meanwhile, Alcalá de Guadaíra has temporarily closed riverside parks as a safety measure due to the swelling Guadaíra River. In Écija, the alert level for the Genil River has been downgraded to yellow, reducing concerns over flooding in the Isla del Vicario hamlet, although the San Pablo Park pier remains underwater.

Reservoirs across the province continue to release excess water, with the Melonares, El Agrio, El Pintado, and Torre del Águila reservoirs currently at red alert levels, while the Gergal reservoir has now dropped to yellow. The Huesna, Corbones and Guadiamar rivers remain at red alert status due to severe flooding risks, while the La Rocina stream is also under red alert. Water levels in the Guadaíra at Arahal and the Guadiamar at El Guijo have slightly receded but remain under orange alert for unusual flooding.

In Camas, local authorities have activated the Municipal Emergency Plan at the pre-emergency level in response to rising waters in the Vega area. Residents have been urged to remove vehicles from at-risk areas, evacuate livestock, and limit movement near the river. A designated shelter has been set up in the municipal bullring for evacuated animals, and officials continue to monitor the situation closely.

Emergency services remain on high alert, patrolling riverbanks and monitoring water levels throughout Seville and surrounding areas. Residents in at-risk zones, including Tablada, Valdezorras and El Gordillo, have been urged to take extra precautions and stay informed through official channels. Although no further heavy rain is expected, high tide is likely to exacerbate the situation later today.

Authorities continue to stress the importance of avoiding misinformation, urging the public to rely on official updates and to contact emergency services via 112 in case of urgent need.

Image: Freepik

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