Flooding in Spain causes evacuations and road closures

A storm named Martinho has caused severe flooding in central and northern Spain. In Mejorada del Campo, near Madrid, 48 people have been evacuated due to rising waters from the Jarama and Henares rivers. Many roads have been closed as rivers overflow in various regions. A state of emergency was declared in Ávila after the Adaja and Chico rivers flooded, while Madrid is also on alert due to the Manzanares River swelling. In southern Andalusia, police are searching for a missing motorcyclist near Pujerra. The area has seen heavy rain recently, contrasting with the severe drought Spain has faced in previous years. Officials are managing reservoirs carefully. In Madrid, water is being released from the El Pardo reservoir to reduce flood risk. In Toledo, flood barriers have been erected around a hospital that treats paraplegic patients as the Tagus River rises. Authorities are prepared to evacuate more residents if necessary. Scientists say the drastic changes in weather patterns are connected to climate change, which is also increasing summer temperatures in Spain.