MADRID, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Torrential rains brought by storm Leonardo have forced the evacuation of around 3,000 to 5,000 people across southern Spain, including the entire population of the small hillside town of Grazalema in Cadiz province, local authorities said on Thursday.
The evacuation order was issued after days of exceptionally heavy rainfall raised the risk of flooding, landslides and structural damage. Juanma Moreno, president of the Andalusia region, said the move was taken as a precaution and urged residents to remain calm as evacuations proceed in an orderly manner.
Storm Leonardo has caused rivers to overflow across parts of Andalusia and Extremadura, leading to school closures, widespread transport disruption and the suspension of most rail services. Emergency teams are also searching for a woman swept away by floodwaters in the province of Malaga.
Severe weather has also affected neighboring Portugal, where authorities confirmed at least one flood-related death.
