Star Metro - Highest storm alert lifted in Spain, one woman missing

Storm Leonardo dumped more than 40 centimetres (15 inches) of rain in some Andalusian districts on Wednesday, the equivalent of several months of precipitation, forcing the evacuation of thousands, paralysing rail and road transport and shutting schools.

The downpours came after a storm killed five people, injured hundreds and left tens of thousands without power in neighbouring Portugal last week.

Scientists say human-driven climate change is increasing the length, intensity and frequency of extreme weather events such as the floods and heatwaves that have struck the Iberian Peninsula in recent years.

Spain's Civil Guard told AFP they were searching for a woman who had fallen into the Turvilla river in the municipality of Sayalonga on Wednesday.

National weather agency AEMET lowered its warning level to orange and yellow for Andalusia, saying it would rain "less intensely, although it will accumulate in already saturated areas".

Classes resumed in most of Andalusia but remained suspended in the hardest-hit areas, with several roads and railways still out of service.

"It's unheard of, with a little uncertainty, but whether we like it or not, Mother Nature has to find her place," Mohamed Amar Mohamed told AFP in the village of Jimera de Libar on Wednesday.

"All we can do is try to adapt and hope for the best," said the 34-year-old construction worker.

- Portugal struck again -

In neighbouring Portugal, weather agency IPMA predicted the "continuation of very unstable conditions", after reporting that last month was the country's second-wettest January since 2000.

Attention was focused on Alcacer do Sal, south of Lisbon, where the Sado river had burst its banks and submerged the town centre.

Specialised divers from the fire brigade assisted residents on inflatable boats, AFP journalists saw.

The Civil Protection authority told AFP that 89 people had been evacuated since Wednesday with no injuries. Schools in the region will remain closed on Thursday and Friday, affecting around 1,000 pupils.

Train services were suspended in the north and centre. In Lisbon, municipal authorities shut parks and tunnels and suspended several river transport connections faced with the risk of floods and falling trees.

A man in his 60s died in the southeast on Wednesday after being swept away by the current while attempting to drive across a flooded area.

burs-imm/phz

L.Girard--SMC