The Madrid Agency for Security and Emergencies 112 has sent a letter to the 179 municipalities in the region urging them to strengthen their local plans against storms and floods. Canal de Isabel II is enhancing sewer cleaning and requesting municipal cooperation.
The Madrid Agency for Security and Emergencies 112 (ASEM112) has sent a letter to the 179 municipalities of the Community of Madrid urging them to reinforce preventive measures in light of the risk of frequent storms during autumn. The communication, as reported by miracorredor.tv, reminds the municipalities of the need to have a specific local plan, especially in those areas at higher risk of flooding.
Recommended actions include reviewing the drainage network, cleaning drains and gullies, marking potentially flood-prone areas, and prohibiting camping or parking vehicles near rivers, streams, and dry watercourses.
These recommendations are part of the Special Civil Protection Plan against the risk of flooding in the Community of Madrid (INUNCAM), which identifies areas susceptible to flooding and establishes the organization and resources needed to respond to heavy rain episodes.
112 should only be called in a real emergency” to avoid overwhelming the lines, the Community reminds.
ASEM112 advises citizens to be aware of the risk level in their area and potential evacuation routes. It also recommends keeping roofs, downspouts, channels, and drains in good condition and avoiding any elements that could obstruct water flow. In single-family homes, it is suggested to have a small sump pump.
In the event of heavy rain, it is recommended to protect exterior doors to prevent water or mud from entering, disconnect electrical supplies, and leave ground floors if there is a risk of accumulation. In such cases, residents should seek refuge in the higher parts of the house and have a charged mobile phone, food, and warm clothing.
The Community advises preparing a basic emergency kit with documentation, medications, a flashlight, food, water, and a battery-operated radio in case it is necessary to leave the home. During a storm, it is advised to avoid approaching ravines, rivers, streams, and other watercourses, use vehicles only when essential, and not to cross flooded areas due to the risk of being swept away by currents.
Canal de Isabel II has also communicated to the municipalities the preventive actions it is undertaking. The public company maintains enhanced monitoring of urban drainage networks and carries out cleaning, inspection, and maintenance work on sewers, drains, gullies, soakaways, overflow outlets, and storm tanks, with special attention to points that historically require closer monitoring.
Canal has requested municipalities to reinforce street cleaning in the vicinity of drainage elements, as the accumulation of leaves, debris, and other materials on grates can hinder water evacuation and promote flooding.
The Community of Madrid reminds that, if weather forecasts warrant, it may activate the mass warning system ES-Alert, which was already used during the DANA that affected the southwest of the region in September 2023.
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