Dozens of British tourists were evacuated from a Spanish beauty spot due to fears that a nearby dam could burst after residents reported ground tremors.
Dozens of British tourists were among around 200 people evacuated from Estacion de Benaojan, a scenic area between Malaga and Gibraltar in Spain, after residents experienced ground tremors. The evacuation was prompted by concerns over the stability of the Montejaque Dam, which has not retained water for almost a century and was reportedly leaking. Emergency services ordered the evacuation to ensure the safety of those in the vicinity as a precaution against a possible dam failure.
Emergency responders activated the evacuation protocol shortly after 4 PM on Friday after residents reported feeling a significant tremor, which seemed to indicate potential instability in the region. Eyewitness accounts described people rushing into the streets in fear, showcasing the tense atmosphere during the incident. The impressive mountain landscape that defines the area was painted as a backdrop to the urgent situation, and those forced to leave expressed their shock and concern.
The Montejaque Dam, constructed in the 1920s but decommissioned due to its inability to hold water, remains an underlying threat. With the recent tremors, the local authorities are reassessing the integrity of the dam structure to prevent future incidents and safeguard both residents and visitors. This event underscores the potential dangers in geologically sensitive areas and the importance of effective emergency response protocols in tourist regions.
