What is the location of the flooding?
As of February 6, 2026, Storm Leonardo has caused widespread flooding across Andalusia in southern Spain and large parts of central and southern Portugal. Intense rainfall has overwhelmed river systems, flooded urban centers, and saturated already vulnerable ground, significantly increasing landslide and flash flood risks (1).
In Portugal, persistent downpours have affected the Algarve, Setúbal district, and Lisbon’s river basins, while Spain continues to see critical conditions in low-lying and river-adjacent communities across Andalusia.
Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding?
Flood impacts remain widespread across multiple regions of Spain and Portugal.
Spain:
Portugal:
- Alcácer do Sal
- Algarve region
- Sado river basins
- Setúbal district
- Tagus
- Vila Franca de Xira
Across these areas, flooding has disrupted infrastructure, suspending rail services, closing major roads, and halting urban transport across parts of Andalusia (2).
What is the current containment status of the flooding?
Containment efforts remain ongoing as Storm Leonardo continues to generate heavy rainfall. Authorities have confirmed at least one fatality in Portugal, with another person missing, underscoring the storm’s severity (3).
More than 3,000 people have been evacuated from high-risk zones, particularly in southern Spain. Emergency services, including military units, firefighters, and civil protection teams, are conducting rescues, reinforcing flood defenses, and monitoring river levels.
Several rivers remain at red alert status, while others are under orange warnings as water levels approach or exceed historical thresholds. Power outages and transport disruptions persist in multiple areas (4).
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
Authorities in both Spain and Portugal have issued red and orange weather alerts for extreme rainfall, flooding, and wind hazards (5).
- Spain: Evacuation orders remain in place in parts of Cádiz, Málaga, and Jaén. Schools have been closed, and residents are urged to avoid non-essential travel.
- Portugal: Flood alerts remain active along the Tagus and Sado rivers, with residents in flood-prone zones advised to prepare for possible evacuations.
Officials continue to urge residents to stay informed through official channels as conditions may worsen with additional rainfall (6).
How can I protect myself from mold after flooding?
It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood.
- Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage.
- Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores.
- If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water.
- Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth.
- Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials.
- Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic.
- Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
- Run a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work.
- If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.
Remember, mold can pose health risks, so it's important to take these steps promptly and thoroughly. If you experience persistent mold-related health issues or have concerns about extensive mold growth, consult with a medical professional or a mold remediation specialist.
