Madrid Flood Alert: Jarama, Alberche & Henares Rivers at Risk

Madrid, Spain is bracing for potential flooding as the Tagus River Conference (CHT) has issued red alerts for seven monitoring stations across the Community of Madrid. The alerts, active as of Saturday, stem from heavy rainfall brought by Storm Leonardo, with Storm Marta expected to follow.

River Alerts and Affected Areas

The red alerts indicate a high risk of overflowing along the Jarama, Alberche, and Henares rivers. Specifically, the municipalities of Ciempozuelos, Mejorada del Campo, San Fernando de Henares, Algete, Madrid, Patones, Aldea del Fresno, and Alcalá de Henares are considered at risk due to rising river levels.

Specific Monitoring Stations

The alerts are currently in effect at monitoring stations along the Jarama river at Puente de Titulcia (Ciempozuelos), Mejorada-San Fernando de Henares, Algete (San Sebastián de los Reyes), and Valdepedas (Patones). Red alerts have also been activated for the Alberche river station in Aldea del Fresno and the Henares river station in Espinillo (Alcalá de Henares).

Did You Know? The 13 reservoirs managed by Canal de Isabel II, which supply the region, are currently 82% full, holding a total of 778,489 hectometers cubic of water.

Water Management and Emergency Plans

The Delegation of the Government has urged maximum caution, advising residents to avoid riverbanks and heed the instructions of emergency services. Canal de Isabel II is continuing controlled releases from eight of the region’s 13 reservoirs – Pinilla, Riosequillo, Puentes Viejas, El Villar, El Atazar, Pedrezuela, El Vado, and Manzanares El Real – as a precautionary measure.

Expert Insight: The activation of both the Winter Weather Plan (Level 0) and the Special Civil Protection Plan against Flood Risk (#INUNCAM) in a pre-emergency phase demonstrates a proactive approach to managing potential widespread disruption and prioritizing public safety in the face of consecutive storm systems.

These measures suggest authorities are preparing for a potentially prolonged period of elevated water levels and are taking steps to mitigate the risk of widespread flooding.

What Could Happen Next

If rainfall continues or intensifies with the arrival of Storm Marta, river levels could continue to rise, potentially leading to localized flooding in the affected municipalities. Authorities may be forced to increase the rate of water releases from reservoirs, which could exacerbate downstream flooding. Conversely, if the storm weakens or shifts course, the risk of significant flooding could diminish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which rivers are currently under red alert?

The Jarama, Alberche, and Henares rivers are currently under red alert due to the risk of overflowing.

What municipalities are most at risk?

Ciempozuelos, Mejorada del Campo, San Fernando de Henares, Algete, Madrid, Patones, Aldea del Fresno, and Alcalá de Henares are the municipalities identified as being at risk.

Are reservoirs releasing water?

Yes, Canal de Isabel II is continuing controlled releases from eight of the 13 reservoirs in the region as a safety measure.

How will communities balance the need for flood control with the ongoing water supply needs of the region?