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Entire town of Grazalema evacuated as record rainfall triggers fears over unstable ground
Residents moved out as Storm Leonardo saturates aquifers and causes unusual underground activity
#BorrascaLeonardo | Actualización con motivo del temporal 🌧️
— Guardia Civil (@guardiacivil) February 5, 2026
▶️ Imágenes aéreas, captadas por medio de un dron, de la sima de la Olla, en la sierra de #Grazalema #Cádiz, cerca de la carretera A-374
▶️ Hemos cortado la carretera GR 3201 km, en el único punto de acceso a la… pic.twitter.com/Knz1sQEJoa
The entire mountain town of Grazalema in Cádiz has been evacuated as a precaution after extraordinary rainfall linked to Storm Leonardo raised concerns about land instability beneath the village.
By Thursday afternoon, almost all residents had left the town and were moved mainly to Ronda in Málaga province, where emergency accommodation was set up. The evacuation followed days of intense rain, with more than 600 litres per square metre falling in just 24 hours on top of already saturated ground.
Juanma Moreno, president of the Andalusian regional government, described the decision as “sensible and prudent”, stressing that it was taken to protect lives. “This situation is completely abnormal. Grazalema is experiencing record rainfall and the ground is literally spewing water,” he said.
Around 1,600 people were affected, although many chose to stay with family or friends once they reached Ronda. Those without alternative accommodation were directed to the El Fuerte pavilion, while residents with health problems were initially taken to a nearby hotel in a safer geological area.
The evacuation was organised zone by zone and carried out calmly during daylight hours, with support from the Guardia Civil and emergency services. Moreno emphasised that it was a preventative move rather than a response to immediate danger. “It’s not because there is an imminent risk, but because when an aquifer in limestone terrain becomes saturated, it’s impossible to know where the weak point might be,” he explained.
People only had time to take the essentials leaving many valued possessions behind. Authorities recommended bringing only the following belongings:
- Basic documentation
- Medication
- Clothes for several days
- Mobile phone chargers
Experts say the unusual “explosion-like” noises reported by some residents could be linked to internal collapses within underground cavities caused by the sudden influx of water. According to soil science specialists, Grazalema sits above one of the most extensive cave systems in Andalucía, making the area particularly sensitive to this kind of phenomenon.
As a result, the town was completely empty on Thursday night, apart from a security detail. Moreno warned that residents are unlikely to return for at least six or seven days. Speaking on Friday morning, he said rain needs to stop first, something not expected until mid next week, before technical studies can confirm it is safe to go back.
Elsewhere in Andalucía, Storm Leonardo continues to cause disruption. Around 400 families have been evacuated near the Guadalquivir River, where water levels remain above red alert thresholds. The Guadalete River is also being closely monitored as it passes through Jerez.
Despite a brief lull in the weather on Friday February 6, officials warned that further rain is expected over the weekend, with new weather fronts forecast early next week. Nearly 180 roads across Spain have been closed due to flooding, landslides and snow, most of them in Andalucía.
Educational activity has largely resumed across the region, except in Grazalema, Ronda and other areas directly affected by flooding or damaged infrastructure.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is travelling to Andalucía on Friday to visit some of the worst-hit areas, as authorities continue to stress that early action and prevention remain the priority while conditions remain unstable.
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Image and videos: Guardia Civil
