article_detail

Within a space of hours the weather conditions in the Region of Murcia on Saturday August 26 switched from summer heatwave to winter storm, and a succession of minor tornadoes hit the municipality of Lorca, with particular intensity in Purias, Cazalla, Campillo and Almendricos.

 

The gale force winds downed huge tree branches throughout these towns, leaving residents without electricity or phone lines, but the fast-acting companies quickly restored these services. Elsewhere, dozens of calls were received by the emergency services warning of trees blocking roads and of rubbish containers, advertising posters and construction apparatus being blown into the streets.

 

“It has been widespread. The notices did not stop coming in and were attended to according to their importance. We have had several tree falls, abundant large branches that have been cracked and have had to be removed with the help of radials, by members of the Fire Fighting Consortium, electric and telephone poles that have given way due to the weight of branches on the wiring and movements of containers and fences. All the troops, from the Local Police, Municipal Emergency Service, Civil Protection, Firefighters... were attending to some requirement,", explained Councillor of Emergencies, Antonio David Sánchez.

 

In Lorca city itself, the wind ripped an awning from the fifth floor of a building that blocked the road in front and in Almendricos, a blinding sandstorm reduced visibility to practically nil.

 

“The gusts of wind have become so strong that garbage containers have moved up to 50 meters. Some have been thrown, literally, onto terraces very far from the place they originated,” added Mr Sánchez.

 

Emergency teams continued to work throughout the night and order was restored by the following morning.

 

 

 

Images: Ayuntamiento de Lorca