Mijas Hippodrome's Heartwarming Act: Sheltering Animals from Storm Chaos!

Mijas, Spain – Residents of Mijas are battening down the hatches as Storm Francis unleashes its fury on the Costa del Sol. Torrential downpours are causing rivers to swell, prompting local authorities to issue urgent warnings about potential flooding, particularly along the Fuengirola River and its tributaries.

Mijas Hippodrome's Heartwarming Act: Sheltering An...

In a proactive move to protect the area's vulnerable animal population, the Mijas Town Hall has opened the doors of the former Hipódromo Costa del Sol (Costa del Sol Racecourse). This is a smart decision; Mijas has a significant equestrian heritage, and it's estimated that thousands of horses call this municipality home. Many are working animals in the tourism sector, used in riding schools, or simply beloved pets. The racecourse offers a secure haven with ample stables and grounds to keep these animals safe from the rising floodwaters.

The main worry right now is the Fuengirola River. I've seen pictures, and the water levels are seriously high. Crossing points that are normally easy to navigate are now completely underwater. Areas like Entrerríos and Atalaya, along with other smaller streams linked to the river, are particularly at risk. It's a precarious situation, and officials are rightly stressing that attempting to cross these areas is downright dangerous. You really don't want to get caught out there, especially in a vehicle.

The Mijas firefighters have been extremely busy, responding to at least ten rain-related incidents so far. That includes the usual stuff you'd expect in this kind of weather: fallen trees blocking roads (I heard Las Lagunas and La Cala were particularly affected), loose bits of buildings threatening to fall, and even a partial roof collapse at a home. Thankfully, no one's been hurt, which is the most important thing.

The 112 Andalucía emergency hotline is, of course, available around the clock for anyone who needs assistance. It's a good reminder that these services are there for a reason, and you shouldn't hesitate to call if you're in trouble.

Ultimately, the message from local officials is clear: be careful out there. Storm Francis is a force to be reckoned with, and the authorities are doing what they can to protect people, property, and, importantly, the animals that are so integral to the community here. Let's hope this storm passes quickly and without any serious consequences.