### Torrential Downpour Devastates Southern Spain, Causing Widespread Damage

Andalusia, a region in southern Spain, has been hit hard by a massive downpour that brought four times the amount of rainfall typically seen in October in just one day. Manuel Yerai, a 40-year-old farmer from the agricultural area of El Ejido, was heartbroken as hailstones the size of tennis balls tore through the plastic sheeting of his pepper greenhouses. The destruction he witnessed was reminiscent of gunfire damage, and the aftermath left shattered windows, damaged cars, and dead sparrows littering the sidewalks.

The torrential rain, which started on Monday night, has affected millions of people across southern and eastern Spain, including major cities like Valencia, Murcia, and Málaga. In some parts of Andalusia, the rain measured between 150 to 200 liters per square meter within a mere two-hour span, equivalent to 40 to 50 gallons per square yard. Spain's meteorological agency has warned that heavy rains will likely continue until at least Thursday, possibly extending through the weekend.

The unprecedented rainfall has led to significant disruptions and damage. Cars were seen floating or partly submerged in floodwaters, homes were inundated, and public transit faced severe delays and cancellations. Train services in Málaga, Antequera, and other towns were affected, with a high-speed train from Málaga to Madrid derailing near Alora—fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Schools in regions like Murcia, Málaga, and Alora have also been closed due to the extreme weather. Emergency services have been in full force, performing daring rescues, such as a helicopter crew saving a stranded individual in Alora. The Interior Ministry has yet to confirm if anyone is missing amidst the chaos.

Meteorologists attribute this severe weather event to a phenomenon known as a "gota fría" or "DANA," which involves a sudden drop in temperature. This pattern occurs when cold air from higher altitudes moves over the warm Mediterranean waters, causing warm, moist air to rise rapidly and form substantial rain clouds. Such events have become more intense in recent years due to increasing sea temperatures and warmer air, which holds more water vapor resulting in heavier rainfall.

In 2019, a similar cold drop caused a river to overflow in Valencia, leading to evacuations and the loss of at least six lives, marking it as the worst storm in eastern Spain in 140 years. The impact of such events is no longer confined to coastal areas but is now affecting inland cities like Madrid, which traditionally do not experience this kind of severe weather.

As Manuel Yerai inspects the damage to his farm, he reflects on the losses and prepares to repair his greenhouses before winter. Despite the devastation, he underscores a resilient spirit shared by many in his profession, committed to persevering through nature's unpredictability.