Duero River Basin Faces Widespread Flood Alerts Following Storm Leonardo
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A surge in rainfall and melting snow has triggered alerts for 46 stretches of rivers within the Duero basin in Castilla y León, Spain, raising concerns about potential overflows. As of this afternoon, authorities report three rivers are at a critical red alert level, ten are on orange alert, and 33 are under a yellow warning.
Rising River Levels Prompt Emergency Response
The ongoing issues stemming from Storm Leonardo are particularly acute on the Huebra River near Puente Resbala in Salamanca. The river has been nearing it’s capacity for several days and is currently experiencing a continued rise in water levels, reaching 7.64 meters according to data from the Duero Hydrographic Confederation (CHD).
Additionally, the Tera River at Tardesillas in Soria is at a red alert level, registering a flow of 2.76 meters. The Támega River,measured at the rabal point,is also at red alert,with water levels reaching 3.59 meters. In total, 28 rivers across the Duero basin are under warning due to the elevated risk of overflowing.
Affected provinces and Municipalities
The provinces currently facing warnings include Zamora, Burgos, León – where the Bernesga River continues to pose a threat to the capital city – Segovia – with concerns surrounding the Eresma River in its capital – Soria, Valladolid, Salamanca, palencia, and Ourense. The Támega River is also causing concern in Castrelo do Val, Ourense, where it is currently under a yellow warning.
emergency services have responded to reports of river overflows impacting 16 municipalities in castilla y León. As of 2:00 p.m. local time, these overflows have resulted in localized flooding, including damage to the Red Cross headquarters in Béjar, Salamanca.
Other affected municipalities include Pelabravo, Anaya de Alba, Calvarrasa de Abajo, Muñovela, Peñaranda de Bracamonte, and Béjar (all in Salamanca); Cacabelos, San andrés del Rabanedo, and Valverde de la Virgen (in León); Riahuelas and Boceguillas (in Segovia); La Adrada and El barco de Ávila (in Avila); Sotresgudo and Cabezón de la Sierra (in Burgos); and Valladolid city.
Despite the widespread alerts, authorities report no serious injuries to the population as of this afternoon. The situation remains fluid,and continued monitoring of river levels is crucial as the region continues to experience the effects of Storm Leonardo and snowmelt.
