Water in the streets and empty classrooms. After a day in which the eyes have not ceased to be on the great flooding of the Manzanares, and after the heavy rains and storms that have been recorded since this afternoon, the Complutense University of Madrid has announced shortly before midnight tonight that suspends classes and all non-essential academic activity (including exams) during the day this Friday, March 21.
This measure of the Complutense to suspend classes has been taken following the recommendation of the Security and Emergency Agency of Madrid to restrict travel. The main objective is to “guarantee the safety of students, professors and technical staff of management, administration and services of the UCM,” they said.
In addition, they recommend, as far as possible, that “staff should opt to work remotely to avoid unnecessary risks”. In those cases where this is not possible, the workers are excused from going to their posts.
The Complutense’s announcement has been joined by others from the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, the Universidad Autónoma and the Universidad Politécnica.
What is the current weather situation?
At the time of writing this article, Emergencias Madrid -which maintains an “intense monitoring” of the flows- informs that although there are no circumstances to cut roads “it could be necessary in the coming hours” and reiterates the recommendation to avoid unnecessary travel, especially near the Manzanares and Jarama rivers.
On the other hand, the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has issued a yellow warning for rain that will remain active until 2 am on Friday. From the Government Delegation in Madrid they ask for “maximum caution” in the face of heavy rains and possible flooding in the affected areas.
What about the possible overflow of the Manzanares?
As we have been seeing throughout the day, the river has considerably multiplied its flow: according to the Conferación Hisdrográfica del Tajo, it is 15 times higher than usual. This is due to the release of the El Pardo dam, fed by rainfall and snowmelt from the mountains.
Since the early morning is expected to be stormy, a thorough monitoring of the A-6, M-30 and M-40 roads, which already recorded incidents last morning, is also maintained. The Command Post of the Security and Emergency Agency Madrid 112 (ASEM112) will remain active all night as part of the Special Flood Plan (Inuncam) to mobilize and respond to any emergency arising from the storm.
The authorities insist on the importance of keeping well informed of the weather and traffic situation through official channels, such as Aemet and the DGT.