A recent video shared by a pilot has captured the intense moment of landing a plane at a Spanish airport during a red-level storm. Despite the challenging conditions of heavy rain and strong winds, the aircraft managed to safely descend onto Runway 12 at Malaga Airport. The footage, reportedly filmed by a passenger in the cockpit, provides a gripping view of the storm’s severity, with rain hammering down on the window and floodwaters visible below, threatening nearby trees in the River Guadalhorce area.
Static grandeur of storm’s destruction
The video was recorded on 13th November, highlighting the hazardous weather conditions that have disrupted travel operations. Only one flight was cancelled, and five others were diverted from locations like Krakow, Zurich, Frankfurt and Paris. With no arrivals listed for the evening on Malaga Airport’s website, departure schedules were equally affected. Aena, the national airport operator, advised passengers to stay informed of updates from airlines before heading to the airport, due to the extreme weather situation.
Avoiding unnecessary travels in the storm
Following the issuance of a red alert by the Spanish State Meteorological Agency for Malaga, the region was expected to experience up to 120mm of rainfall in areas like Guadalhorce Valley and Axarquía. The adverse effects of the storm also led to the suspension of metro and public transport services in Malaga. This event follows recent devastating flash floods in the Valencia region, resulting in closures of schools, train services, and restrictions on private vehicle usage, with fears of more rain worsening the situation.
Preparing for the aftermath
Efforts to address the aftermath of the October storm in Valencia continue as the region braces for more rain, triggering concerns over potential street flooding and debris hazards. In the southern Malaga province, precautionary measures were taken, including evacuating 3,000 residents near the Guadalhorce river. School closures and disruptions in transportation services were widespread, indicating the extensive impact of the adverse weather conditions.
Challenges ahead despite no casualties reported
While the new storms brought significant rainfall and disruptions to various provinces in Spain, no casualties were reported at the time. The red alert status in Malaga and other affected areas signified the severity of the weather conditions, with experts attributing the storms to the collision of warm and cold air masses, resulting in intense rain clouds. As climate change exacerbates drought and flood cycles, there is growing concern over the unpredictable nature of such extreme weather events.
Precautionary measures and ongoing assessments
The Valencia region, still recuperating from previous floods, remains on high alert, with authorities closely monitoring the situation to prevent further damage. The community’s resilience and preparedness are being tested as they navigate the challenges posed by the consecutive storms. As Spain grapples with the immediate impact and long-term implications of these weather events, coordinated efforts are essential to mitigate risks and safeguard lives and infrastructure from future natural disasters.
Summary:
The recent storm in Spain has posed significant challenges, disrupting travel operations and prompting precautionary measures to ensure public safety. The video capturing a plane’s landing during these extreme weather conditions highlights the severity of the situation, as regions like Malaga and Valencia contend with heavy rainfall and potential flooding. As authorities continue to monitor the situation and assess the aftermath, the resilience of local communities and the collaborative response efforts are crucial in mitigating the impact of such natural disasters.