Constanza Sánchez
The rain shows no signs of stopping in the region. It has been 11 uninterrupted days of precipitation. Concern is at its peak in the Henares area. The river has reached its highest level in the last five years. The river flow has quadrupled in the last few days, reaching a red level. The emergency services in Alcalá de Henares remain on high alert. They have closed underground passages, trails, and some parking lots. In San Fernando, the water entry has forced the closure of sports facilities.
Preventive Measures in Alcalá de Henares
In response to the rise in water levels, the Alcalá de Henares City Council has closed underground passages, accesses to flood-prone areas, and paths near the river, such as the Nueva Alcalá river walk, the Zulema pedestrian walkway, and the bridge over the Camarmilla.
Barriers have also been installed at critical points, such as the islet of Los García, where the water is just a few meters away from homes.
Madrid, another week of umbrellas, rain, and snow in the mountains
Additionally, pedestrian access in riverside areas has been restricted and the Nueva Alcalá dirt parking lot has been closed.
Civil Protection, Local Police, and Firefighters have intensified surveillance, with three municipal patrols monitoring water level indicators and three Civil Protection units working in the Camarmilla area.
Recommendations to the Population
Authorities have urged residents to take extra precautions: avoid unnecessary travel near the river, do not cross flooded areas, and do not park vehicles in flood-prone areas. Citizens can stay informed through official channels about the river’s status.
San Fernando remains vigilant against potential Jarama river rise – Reservoirs at capacity
The rise of the Henares river is directly related to the releases from several reservoirs in the region, such as El Villar, which is currently releasing 140 cubic meters per second, and those of the Lozoya river, such as Puentes Viejas.
According to recent data, the reservoirs in the Community of Madrid are at 86% of their capacity, prompting water releases to prevent major overflow.
Madrid’s reservoirs open floodgates as they reach maximum capacity
The risk is not limited to the Henares. Other rivers in the region have also experienced significant rises, keeping authorities on high alert.
