UAE Embassy Issues Critical Safety Advisory for Citizens in Storm-Ravaged Spain
The UAE Embassy in Madrid has issued an urgent and critical safety advisory for all Emirati citizens currently residing in or traveling through Spain. This advisory comes as the country confronts one of the most severe and dangerous weather events of the entire season, prompting nationwide alerts and large-scale emergency responses.
Storm Leonardo Unleashes Chaos Across the Iberian Peninsula
The Iberian Peninsula is currently gripped by the powerful and persistent Storm Leonardo, which is part of a larger, ongoing European winter storm system. This storm has unleashed intense and relentless rainfall, severe thunderstorms, and dangerously strong winds across vast regions of Spain. The catastrophic weather has forced the evacuation of thousands of residents from areas deemed highly susceptible to sudden and devastating flooding.
Spanish meteorological and civil protection authorities have raised the highest level of alerts, particularly in the southern and north-western regions of the country. Critical rivers, including the significant Guadalquivir River, have swelled to perilous and unprecedented levels due to sustained, heavy rainfall. National and local emergency services remain on the highest possible alert as weather forecasts continue to warn of additional heavy rain and an elevated risk of life-threatening flash flooding throughout the weekend.
Major European weather agencies have cautioned that this intense storm system may persist for several more days, significantly increasing risks for both travelers and local residents across southern Europe.
Severe Impact and Tragic Consequences
The human and infrastructural toll from Storm Leonardo is already severe and continues to mount. In the Andalusia region alone, emergency services report that over 7,000 people have been forcibly evacuated from their homes to escape rising floodwaters. The mountain village of Grazalema has recorded a staggering over 700 millimeters of rain since just Wednesday, causing local aquifers to overflow completely and sparking grave fears of catastrophic landslides in the unstable terrain.
Transportation networks across the nation have been paralyzed. Major rail lines and critical roadways are severely disrupted, with several bridges reported as damaged or compromised. Educational institutions have been shut down as a precaution across 33 different provinces. In a tragic development, authorities confirmed the recovery of a body near Malaga, believed to be a woman who was swept away by powerful currents while attempting to rescue her dog. Search and rescue operations continue for other individuals reported missing in the raging Turvilla river.
UAE Embassy's Detailed Safety Instructions
In its official advisory, the UAE Embassy in Madrid has urgently implored all Emirati citizens to exercise maximum caution and adhere strictly to the following safety protocols:
- Remain extremely vigilant and proactively avoid all flood-affected areas, low-lying zones, and riverbanks.
- Closely follow and obey all instructions and directives issued by Spanish civil protection and local authorities.
- Stay continuously updated through official Spanish government weather channels and news bulletins as the situation evolves rapidly.
The embassy has also strongly advised all UAE nationals in Spain to immediately register on the UAE government's “Tawajudi” service. This vital registration system enables the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide direct assistance, support, and crucial communication with citizens abroad during emergencies and crises.
For urgent consular support and emergency assistance, Emirati citizens in Spain can contact the following dedicated hotlines: 00971 80024 and 00971 8004444. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stressed that early registration and maintaining open lines of communication are absolutely critical during such fast-evolving and dangerous emergency situations.
Broader Context of UAE Citizen Protection
This urgent advisory for Spain is part of a broader, proactive effort by the UAE government to safeguard its citizens overseas amid increasing global incidents of extreme weather events and regional security concerns. In recent months, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued similar precautionary warnings for UAE nationals traveling or residing in other international destinations, including Italy and Vietnam.
These repeated advisories reinforce the government's consistent message on the paramount importance of traveler preparedness, situational awareness, and strict compliance with local regulations and safety instructions while abroad. As Storm Leonardo continues to disrupt daily life and pose serious threats across Spain, UAE authorities have reiterated their unwavering commitment to citizen safety, urging all Emiratis to remain cautious, connected to official channels, and responsive to guidance until weather conditions fully stabilize.
