Torrential rain caused flooding and 93 incidents across the Region of Murcia

Cartagena was the worst-affected area, with 65 incidents reported after more than 70 litres of rain fell in an hour

Cartagena bore the brunt of Thursday morning's torrential rain, with emergency services dealing with dozens of incidents across the city and surrounding areas. The heaviest rainfall arrived between 9:00 am and 10:00 am, when more than 70 litres per square metre fell in an hour. The rain was intense enough for Aemet to issue a red weather warning for the Campo de Cartagena and Mazarrón before it was lowered later in the day.

The regional emergency service received 135 calls linked to the weather and dealt with 93 incidents by midday. Cartagena accounted for 65 of them. Most involved localised flooding, with water being pumped from buildings and roads blocked by debris or accumulated water. Several people also had to be helped after becoming trapped in their vehicles.

Pequeñas inundaciones nos reportan desde Cartagena donde aún nos afectan núcleos asociados al scm que se formó esta mañana. 🌊🌧⚠️🟠 pic.twitter.com/GVb2WOL57M

— ☈ Meteosureste (@meteo_sureste) September 17, 2026

The rainfall figures give an idea of just how quickly the situation developed. The Confederación Hidrográfica del Segura gauge at Los Patojos in Cartagena recorded 75.6 litres per square metre, while 23 litres were recorded at Canteras and at the mouth of the Rambla de Benipila.

An ES-Alert message was sent to mobile phones in the Campo de Cartagena and Mazarrón at 10.30 am, advising people to avoid unnecessary journeys and stay away from flooded areas, ramblas and rivers.

Los vehículos nunca deben estar estacionados en zonas inundables en situaciones de aviso por lluvias intensas. https://t.co/FmK36CL7bH

— AMETSE (@MeteoSE) September 17, 2026

Cartagena was particularly affected, with water accumulating in several parts of the city, including around the Cartagonova Stadium and Ensanche. Fire crews also helped people trapped in vehicles and dealt with damage to buildings. A large perimeter wall collapsed in Los Dolores, bringing down debris and a high-voltage cable. Firefighters and Policía Local attended the scene.

San Javier also reported flooding, including water entering some ground-floor properties and garages.
The weather also caused disruption to transport. Renfe temporarily suspended services between Cartagena and Los Nietos, along with Proximity and Media Distance services to and from Cartagena. Services were later restored after the railway lines were checked.

There was also a temporary closure on the RM-23 between Mazarrón and Alhama de Murcia, where the left-hand carriageway and service road remained closed because of the conditions.
Despite the volume of rain and the number of emergency call-outs, there were no reports of serious injuries or major material damage.

The red warning was lifted in the Campo de Cartagena and Mazarrón, although further weather warnings remained in place across parts of the Region. Most of the Region also remains under a yellow warning for rain and storms Friday September 18.

Read also: Spain Has Burned Through Nearly 300,000 Hectares Of Land This Year, Almost Half Of The Eu's Entire Total

Image:Seguridad y Emergencias Cartagena