Storm Kristin closes the MA-8302 road between Estepona and Genalguacil

The storm Kristin has once again highlighted the vulnerability of the communications between the interior of Málaga and the Western Costa del Sol. ... The road connecting Estepona with Genalguacil, MA-8302, remains closed to traffic after the intense rainfall recorded in the last few hours, a situation that repeats itself whenever there are episodes of precipitation, leaving the municipality of Valle del Genal isolated. However, on this occasion, there is an alternative route to Ronda via Algatocín (MA-8304), confirms Mayor Miguel Angel Herrera.

The closure is due to rockslides and falling trees on the road and the overflowing of the Almarchal River, which causes the road to flood again with the rise in water levels. This road, owned by the Provincial Council of Málaga, is the main connection for Genalguacil to the Costa del Sol. This closure not only affects the urban area but also more than 50% of its municipal term and numerous scattered homes, whose residents are currently unable to move or receive basic services, according to sources confirmed to Diario Sur.

Situation in Genalguacil

The mayor of Genalguacil, Miguel Angel Herrera, noted in a telephone conversation with this newspaper that "the situation is causing numerous problems among the residents, especially those living on scattered estates as they cannot leave their properties."

As the mayor detailed, "there are families who have been unable to enter or leave their properties for two days, which prevents them from even tending to their animals." This situation is compounded by the overflowing of the Genal River, as well as the Almarchal River, further aggravating communication difficulties within the municipal area. "Storm after storm, the same thing happens. It is a constant situation in communications, both in the access lanes to the estates and in the connections with the Costa del Sol," Herrera stated, adding that "buses also cannot pass and many people considering living in Genalguacil think twice because they know they will be cut off for several days a year."

Rural Depopulation

In this regard, he warned of the direct consequences on rural depopulation. "If we talk about establishing a population, it is essential to have good communications. We cannot allow 50% of the municipal area to be cut off, as is currently the situation," he pointed out, recalling that there are actions that depend on the Andalusian Regional Government and others on the Provincial Council of Málaga, "but they are not being resolved."

The Municipal Emergency Plan of Genalguacil has been activated since last weekend in anticipation of intense rainfall in the coming days, and he admitted that "right now we are focused on solving the most urgent problems of the residents, by cutting trees that prevent them from leaving their homes." "There are many trees that are still going to fall, and we do not understand why preventive actions are not taken in previous months," he lamented. At this point, he explained that the company in charge of maintenance, Mape, based in Jubrique and managed by the Provincial Council of Málaga, is "overwhelmed."

"If these trees are removed and the bridges are repaired throughout the year, situations like this are prevented, and the safety of the residents when they leave their homes is guaranteed," concluded the mayor of Genalguacil, a municipality that does not reach 500 inhabitants.

Related News

Strong wind knocks down a tree and cuts the road between Puerto Saúco and Setenil de las Bodegas

Meanwhile, in Estepona, the storm has also forced the closure of the MA-8301 road due to falling rocks and trees on the road, confirms Civil Protection Estepona. "Already in the municipality, numerous incidents related to wind and rain have been recorded, such as falling trees, branches, and fences, as well as a significant increase in the water flow in rivers and streams. All river crossings remain closed for safety reasons." In this town, the Municipal Emergency Plan remains active.

Provincial Firefighters also confirm actions in the fall of an antenna on Fuerzas Armadas street, flooded garages on Nueva Atalaya street, and fallen trees in the Padrón area.

Casares, Manilva, and Benahavís

In Casares, the Local Police have reported multiple incidents throughout the municipal term, mainly due to strong wind gusts. There have been falls of trees, signs, and vertical signage, in addition to effects on poles and electrical wiring, and Camino de Gaucín street remains closed to traffic due to a fallen tree. The Los Pedregales road is also closed due to the overflowing of the La Acedía stream.

In the coastal area, especially in Hacienda Casares and Doña Julia, the impact has been more intense. In total, about 40 power supply lines have been affected, including the one serving Secadero. Celina La Manga road also remains closed due to fallen trees on it.

Given this situation, the Casares City Council has activated the Local Territorial Emergency Plan in the pre-emergency phase, within the Emergency Plan for the Risk of Flooding in Andalusia, and has ordered the preventive closure of parks, gardens, and green areas, as well as the suspension of outdoor activities.

In Manilva, the storm has caused the fall of walls and trees uprooted by the force of the wind, although no personal injuries have been reported, limiting the incidents to minor material damages.

Finally, in Benahavís, the Municipal Emergency Plan has also been activated, falls of trees and advertising panels have been registered, and the Local Police forces remain on alert for any further occurrences.