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Spanish storms fill reservoirs with equivalent of 1.8 million Olympic pools in one week
Water reserves across Spain have jumped to 67% capacity following the biggest weekly increase since records began
Spain's reservoirs have experienced their largest weekly increase since records began in 1988, with water reserves surging by more than 4,500 cubic hectometres in just seven days. That's equivalent to nearly two million Olympic-sized swimming pools.
According to figures published on Tuesday February 3 by the Ministry for Ecological Transition, the intense rainfall has significantly affected the entire country. Reservoir levels have jumped by more than 8% in a single week, surpassing the previous record set on January 5, 2010, when reserves increased by 4,288 cubic hectometres.
The heaviest rainfall this week so far was recorded in Vigo, Galicia, where 206.4 litres per square metre fell. Following a particularly wet January, Spain's water reserves now stand at a remarkable 67.28% of capacity, storing 37,706 cubic hectometres.
This is a dramatic improvement on previous years. Twelve months ago, reservoirs held 32,691 cubic hectometres at 58.3% of capacity, almost 10% lower than now. The current situation is also up to 15 percentage points higher than the average for this same week over the last decade, which stands at 52.95% with 29,668 cubic hectometres.
With more storms expected this week, several areas are releasing water from their reservoirs as a precaution. Andalucian president Juanma Moreno announced on Tuesday that more than 50 reservoirs are opening their floodgates. Currently, 33 reservoirs belonging to the Guadalquivir River Basin Authority are being emptied, along with another 19 in the Guadiana River Basin.
Madrid is also releasing water from five of its reservoirs to maintain safety: Pinilla, Riosequillo, Puentes Viejas, Pedrezuela and El Vado. The 13 reservoirs managed by the Canal de Isabel II are at 77% of capacity.
For more weather news go to our Weather & Climate page or follow the Spain Weather Watch Facebook group for regular updates
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