2 hours ago
1
UAE issues urgent weather warning for citizens in Spain as Storm Leonardo batters regions / Image: file
The UAE Embassy in Madrid has issued a critical safety advisory for all Emirati citizens currently in Spain, urging them to exercise maximum caution as the country grapples with one of the most severe weather events of the season.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and the embassy mission have stressed the importance of staying away from flood-prone areas, particularly in the southern regions where rivers have reached dangerous levels.
Citizens are being asked to strictly adhere to safety instructions issued by local Spanish authorities and to monitor official weather channels as the situation evolves rapidly.
Storm Leonardo across Spain
The Iberian Peninsula is currently under the grip of Storm Leonardo, part of the ongoing European winter storm system, has brought intense rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds to large parts of Spain, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate from flood-prone areas.Spanish authorities have raised alerts in southern and north-western regions after rivers, including the Guadalquivir, swelled rapidly due to sustained rainfall. Emergency services remain on high alert as forecasts warn of continued heavy rain and the risk of flash flooding.Weather agencies across Europe have cautioned that the storm system may persist, increasing risks for travellers and residents alike.
In the Andalusia region alone, over 7,000 people have been forced to evacuate their homes.In the mountain village of Grazalema, over 700mm of rain has fallen since Wednesday, causing aquifers to overflow and sparking fears of catastrophic landslides. Major rail networks and roads have been paralyzed, with several bridges damaged and schools shut down across 33 provinces. Tragically, authorities confirmed that a body was recovered near Malaga, believed to be a woman swept away while trying to save her dog, while search efforts continue for others reported missing in the Turvilla river.
UAE embassy issues advisory
In its advisory, the UAE Embassy in Madrid urged citizens to:
- Remain vigilant and avoid flood-affected and low-lying areas
- Closely follow instructions issued by Spanish civil protection authorities
- Stay updated through official weather and government channels
The embassy also advised UAE nationals to register on the “Tawajudi” service, which enables the UAE government to provide assistance and communicate with citizens abroad during emergencies.For urgent support, Emiratis in Spain can contact:
The Ministry stressed that early registration and communication are critical during rapidly evolving emergencies.
What's next?
The advisory for Spain comes as part of a broader UAE effort to safeguard citizens overseas amid extreme weather events and security concerns in several regions.In recent months, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued similar warnings for UAE nationals in Italy, Vietnam and other European destinations, reinforcing the importance of preparedness, awareness and compliance with local regulations while travelling.As Storm Leonardo continues to disrupt daily life across Spain, UAE authorities have reiterated their commitment to citizen safety, urging Emiratis to remain cautious, connected and responsive to official guidance until conditions stabilise.
