The Madrid 112 Security and Emergencies Agency (ASEM112) has sent a letter to the town councils requesting the reinforcement of preventive measures, with special emphasis on municipalities located in higher-risk areas. Recommendations include checking collector networks, cleaning drains and gullies, marking flood-risk points, and prohibiting camping and vehicle parking near rivers and dry riverbeds.
These guidelines are based on the Special Civil Protection Plan for Flood Risk (INUNCAM). On a personal level, residents are advised to check roofs, downpipes, and drains, have sump pumps in single-family homes, and protect entrances against water or mud. In case of emergency, it is recommended to cut off the electricity supply and seek refuge on upper floors.
The importance of having a basic emergency kit with documents, medication, a flashlight, food, water, and a battery-powered radio is recalled. Likewise, people are urged to stay away from ravines and watercourses, avoid using cars unless necessary, and not cross flooded areas under any circumstances. In case of severe damage, it is crucial to follow official instructions, obtain information from verified channels, and reserve the 112 call for real emergencies.
INUNCAM is the regional tool for identifying flood-prone areas and organizing emergency response. The Community can activate the mass messaging system ES-Alert for urgent warnings, as it did in September 2023.
In parallel, Canal de Isabel II has informed the municipalities of its preventive action plan. The public company has reinforced surveillance and cleaning of urban drainage networks, sewers, collectors, and gullies, focusing on points that, according to them, "historically require greater vigilance."
The company has also asked municipalities to increase street cleaning near these elements, as the accumulation of leaves and debris hinders water evacuation and promotes waterlogging.
