7 February 2026
Storm Leonardo has battered parts of southern Europe, forcing more than 11,000 people from their homes in Spain and Portugal as heavy rain and flooding overwhelm rivers and low‑lying areas. Authorities in Spain’s Andalusia region reported that saturated ground and swollen waterways, particularly near the Guadalquivir River, prompted evacuations amid fears of further flooding. In some communities, residents fled with little more than the clothes on their backs as emergency services worked to keep people safe.
The severe weather has not only displaced families but also caused tragic incidents. In Portugal, a man in his 60s was reported to have drowned after his vehicle was swept away by floodwaters, and another body was later found in the Málaga area in southern Spain. Officials warned that conditions remain dangerous, with forecasting models showing more rain and the possibility of additional storms in the coming days.
Local governments have issued alerts and extended emergency measures as they try to manage rescue efforts and safeguard residents. The regional leader in Andalusia said that even relatively modest forecasted rainfall could cause significant problems because the soil is already heavily saturated and unable to absorb more water.
Source: Sky News – Storm Leonardo forces more than 11,000 in Spain and Portugal to evacuate their homes (https://news.sky.com/story/storm-leonardo-forces-more-than-11000-in-spain-and-portugal-to-evacuate-their-homes-13504289)