You think we’ve had bad weather here in Andalucía this winter?  Think again!  Look what happened in 1949!

A massive storm in the Serranía de Ronda on 29 September 1949 left nine people dead and others missing,.  The sudden deluge cut off roads and rail lines and destroyed dozens of buildings, as well as farmland. 

In the village of Montejaque the storm left nine dead and wrecked buildings, destroyed goods and chattels and damaged farmland.  The village centre was totally devastated, with 63 houses collapsed and many others left in ruins. Yet incredibly the storm only lasted 20 minutes!

According to eyewitness Francisco Montes, aged three at the time, it was 2 pm and a cloudy day.  “Suddenly darkness descended from the mountains with flashes of lightning followed by claps of thunder.  It started to rain huge fat raindrops which became heavier and heavier.  I heard shouts and looked out into the street which was already a torrent of water carrying chairs, an armchair, mattresses and kitchen utensils, and other household items.”

It was all over as quickly as it started, but to those who experienced it – anyone over 61 – this last winter was nothing in comparison.

©  Paul Whitelock