The Government of Castile-La Mancha is keeping operational level 1 of the regional emergency plan in force following the flooding in Madrigueras and coordinating ongoing clean-up and recovery work. Additional units from the forestry and environmental service GEACAM were sent to the town this morning. They are supporting the teams deployed since overnight by SEPEI, Guardia Civil, Policía Local, Protección Civil, Cruz Roja as well as municipal teams from neighbouring towns.
The trigger was a local storm in the night of 2–3 October 2026, bringing very heavy rainfall. According to the authorities, up to 142 litres per square metre fell in parts of Madrigueras within a few hours. The floodwaters swept away vehicles and inundated roads, homes and public buildings. Emergency coordinators report around 90 rescues and evacuations from trapped homes and cars; several access roads were temporarily closed.
One fatality has also been confirmed: a 102-year-old woman was found dead in a residential building. The relevant authorities are investigating the circumstances; according to information available so far, the case is linked to the effects of the flooding. Other injured people received medical treatment.
To ensure basic services, the regional government temporarily moved the local Centro de Salud to a Cruz Roja relief centre in the municipality. Medical services continue to be provided there. Meanwhile, clean-up work is under way, damaged infrastructure is being secured and damage is being assessed in the worst-affected streets. Technical services and municipal workers are clearing roads and checking utility lines.
The authorities urged residents to avoid unnecessary journeys, strictly observe roadblocks and follow instructions from the Guardia Civil, Policía Local and Protección Civil. The official emergency number 112 should be used for up-to-date information. The regional government says the resources deployed will be adjusted as the situation develops and increased further if necessary.
The background is a wider weather system bringing severe thunderstorms in the province of Albacete. The regional authorities had already taken extra precautions and issued warnings in advance. The immediate priority is coordinating recovery work in Madrigueras while operational level 1 remains in force. There are not yet any reliable estimates of the damage; the current priorities are securing transport routes, buildings and utility infrastructure and supporting affected households.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).