Rivers and reservoirs across Spain and Portugal were on the verge of overflowing on Wednesday as a new weather front pounded the Iberian peninsula, compounding damage from last week's Storm Kristin.
In southern Spain, authorities in Andalusia said 14 rivers and 10 dams were at "extreme" risk of overflowing. Antonio Sanz, head of the regional interior department, said saturated ground from earlier storms this month had worsened the threat.
Across the border in Portugal, the government raised its alert level to the maximum until at least Friday as several rivers approached critical levels. In Alcacer do Sal, about 90 kilometres south of Lisbon, the Sado river burst its banks, flooding parts of the town.
"I've never seen anything like this, never. It's surreal. I have no words," said longtime resident Maria Cadacha. Mayor Clarisse Campos said "the entire lower part of the city is flooded" and added that authorities were monitoring residents "to determine whether it is necessary to evacuate them and move them to a safe place."
In Spain, Andalusian officials called the situation in Grazalema dire after the sewage system became overwhelmed, sending water gushing from homes.
Footage showed floods pouring out of electrical sockets as emergency crews drilled holes in walls to release trapped water. In Ubrique, a wall collapse injured one person.
At least 3,500 residents were evacuated in Andalusia. Classes were cancelled, travel was discouraged, and 1,200 emergency personnel plus 400 military service members were deployed.
Aircraft and helicopters were sent to monitor flood zones. "It's been raining like this for hours. The river has already overflowed, and people are very worried inside their homes. We are experiencing many power cuts," José Luis Castillo in Jimera de Libar told Reuters.
Spain's weather agency AEMET forecast continuous and intense rainfall in parts of Andalusia, central Spain and Galicia through Saturday, warning of possible landslides and damage to infrastructure.
Portugal's National Civil Protection service said water levels were likely to rise further in the coming days. The armed forces deployed 1,600 personnel, including marine teams equipped with 35 inflatable boats, to rescue people from flood affected areas.
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