Floods in Pontevedra after heavy rains that cut off the PO-11
A rainstorm hit hard this Tuesday over the city of Pontevedra, generating a critical situation in several of its neighborhoods. The accumulated water exceeded the drainage capacity, causing streets to flood and water to enter numerous homes, which activated the emergency services response. 🌧️
Closure of a main road and traffic collapse
The magnitude of the downpour forced the closure to traffic of the PO-11 highway, which connects Pontevedra with Marín, due to the dangerous accumulation of water on the roadway. This closure, combined with impassable streets in the Valdecorvos and Os Praceres neighborhoods, generated a total collapse of mobility in the area. Drivers sought alternative routes while municipal teams tried to drain the roads.
Immediate consequences of the overflow:- The PO-11 highway was closed in both directions for safety.
- Streets in the affected neighborhoods turned into improvised rivers, impassable for vehicles and pedestrians.
- Long traffic queues formed on detours and alternative roads.
"Finally we have a community pool without paying fees," some neighbors commented ironically while bailing out water with buckets.
Action by emergency teams
Firefighters and Civil Protection volunteers received multiple alerts to intervene. Their work focused on pumping water from flooded garages and basements, as well as assisting residents whose homes were affected. Although there were no serious injuries, the damage to furniture and household items was significant in many cases.
Tasks performed by the services:- Pumping water stagnant in low areas of buildings and public roads.
- Assisting affected neighbors to protect their properties and ensure their safety.
- Evaluating structural damage at the most critical flood points.
Forecast of improvement
According to weather reports, precipitations are expected to subside throughout the night, allowing water levels to drop and normality to be restored gradually. In the meantime, emergency teams remain deployed to manage residual incidents, and neighbors begin to assess material damages caused by this sudden flood. 🚒