Spain - September 01, 2024

In the Comarca region of Aragon, Spain, the River Piedra overflowed its banks near the town of Cimballa due to heavy storms on the previous day, September 2, 2024. This incident, while not unprecedented, recalls a similar event in September 2021 when the river rose to a height of one and a half meters. Although the recent flooding was less severe, it still caused significant disruption, affecting several homes, agricultural plots, and even the local hostel.

Residents of Cimballa attribute the severity of the flooding not only to the intensity of the storm, particularly around Molina de Aragon, but also to the lack of maintenance and cleanliness of the riverbed. This sentiment is echoed in nearby towns like Maluenda and Torrijo, where locals also complain about the river's condition exacerbating flood risks.

Despite the initial chaos, the situation in Cimballa appears to be stabilizing, with the river levels receding. However, the storm's impact required a dramatic rescue operation. At around midday, the Civil Guard's air unit was called into action after a distress call from the 112 emergency service. Five individuals, caught off guard by the rising waters of the River Piedra while driving on the CV-671 between Cimballa and Aldehuela de Liestos, were rescued unharmed. The operation involved a helicopter from SEA Huesca, supported by the GREIM team from Huesca, safely extracting four adults and one minor, who were then transported to Cimballa.

In a separate incident, also triggered by the adverse weather conditions, a traffic accident occurred in the municipality of Villarroya de la Sierra. A vehicle veered off the road and collided head-on with a tree. Fortunately, the occupants managed to exit the vehicle on their own, suffering only minor injuries that did not require medical attention. The scene was attended by volunteers from the Calatayud area's Civil Protection and officers from the Civil Guard.