The water from Alcorlo has already reached Guadalajara and although the levels of the Henares river had dropped early in the morning, the mayor of the capital, Ana Guarinos, has warned that they will now rise because they are still releasing water from Beleña and Pálmaces, and because it continues to rain. She emphasized the need for citizens to «take maximum precautions,» especially near the riverbank.
«More concerning than Alcorlo releasing water is that it is still raining and it is expected to continue in the coming days, and, in addition, we will have the releases from Alcorlo, Beleña, and Pálmaces all coming together,» Guarinos pointed out. «We are in an emergency situation,» she warned.
However, she mentioned that emergency services «are fully activated because the priority is to prevent any risks and maximize precautions so that the civilian population can return to normality in a few days.»
The mayor visited the Henares river passing through the city early Tuesday morning and, as she later informed the media, although the water level was lower than in previous days at that time, she acknowledged that «the flow has to increase because the water from Alcorlo is already arriving,» although she detailed that she does not know how many cubic meters per second are being released at the moment.
The City Council is constantly monitoring the situation and will communicate any changes or updates to the population, the mayor reiterated, also reminding citizens to call 112 or 092 in case of any emergencies.
Guarinos expressed gratitude for the work of all City Council personnel, especially the emergency services that have been dedicated to this crisis. She highlighted the coordination «at all times» with the Tajo Hydrographic Confederation and the «constant contact» with the Castilla-La Mancha Regional Government.
During her press conference, the mayor also mentioned that they have been in contact with two heavy machinery companies so that in case any obstacles due to water flow block the passage and create a «blockage» in the city, heavy machinery will be available for removal.
Guarinos also mentioned that they have planned actions in educational centers and social centers in case it is necessary to accommodate the population in case of evacuation.
She noted that sports activities at the Pedro Escartín facilities are still suspended, but all social centers, available sports facilities, and public schools are on standby with spaces prepared in case they are needed.
The City Council has identified areas that may be more sensitive in terms of vulnerable populations such as educational centers and residences. The mayor mentioned that although Isidro Almazán is the closest to the river, there have been no issues so far, including in the case of residences.
She highlighted the issues some streets in the La Chopera and Manantiales area are facing, mentioning ongoing hydraulic works in several streets before the rains to prevent flooding. The intention is to continue assessing other possible hydraulic infrastructures where needed to provide reassurance to the population.
Regarding the La Chopera and Manantiales area, she emphasized that while garages may flood during heavy rain, the La Mota infrastructure built in the past ensures that in case of a river overflow, water will not reach the residences.
Currently, according to the mayor’s information, Alcorlo is at approximately 95% of its capacity, and it seems that the water level is rising due to the rains as more water is coming in than going out. Beleña is at 88% of its capacity, with water inflow as well, emphasizing the importance of taking precautions to ensure the safety of individuals.