Windstorm batters the Region of Murcia with more than 150 emergency incidents

Fallen trees and loose structures have kept emergency services busy this Tuesday, and more strong winds are on the way for Wednesday

A powerful bout of wind has swept across the Region of Murcia, triggering more than 150 incidents and keeping emergency crews flat out throughout this Tuesday January 27.

As of 8pm on Tuesday, the 112 Emergency Coordination Centre had handled 235 calls linked to the storm, corresponding to 169 separate incidents. Most of those calls came in during the previous eight hours alone. The most common problems were obstacles in public spaces, with 122 reports, followed by falling objects such as signs, awnings and loose structures.

One of the most disruptive incidents happened on the RM-423 road between Fortuna and Murcia city, near Coto Cuadros, where strong gusts brought down a tree at kilometre marker 5, blocking traffic. The Emergency Coordination Centre urged drivers in the area to slow down and follow the instructions of police and emergency workers while the road was cleared.

Cartagena has been particularly hard hit. Firefighters were called out after a metal railing came loose from a building and was left hanging dangerously over the street. Elsewhere in the municipality, the wind caused part of the stands at the Ciudad Jardín football ground to collapse. Fortunately, no one was inside the stadium at the time and no injuries were reported.

By municipality, Cartagena topped the list of the places with the most emergency calls, totalling 122, well ahead of the municipality in second place, which was Murcia capital with 43.

Local Police and Fire Service crews in Cartagena, supported by Parks and Public Lighting staff, spent the day removing fallen branches and trees, clearing debris from roads, fixing damaged streetlights and dealing with loose awnings and signage.

Across the rest of the Region, the windstorm has forced the closure of sports facilities and caused numerous minor incidents, particularly in coastal areas. Despite the scale of the disruption, authorities confirmed that no injuries have been reported.

The entire Region of Murcia remains under yellow or orange weather warnings for strong winds and adverse coastal conditions this Wednesday, and with Aemet’s alerts set to remain in place until Thursday, local councils have stepped up preventative measures. In Cartagena, areas around large trees have been cordoned off, parks with perimeter fencing have been closed, and residents are being kept informed through social media, electronic noticeboards and the municipal website.

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Image: Ayuntamiento de Cartagena