04.02.09 - 10:29 -
FACADE. Windows of homes were blown out and bricks were swept away. / CARLOS MORET
The western area of Malaga painted a bleak picture yesterday following the tornado which swept through the city at more than 110 km per hour on Sunday night. Roofs of buildings had been blown off, trees had been lifted from their roots, cars had been smashed by flying bricks and fences .... The worse affected areas were the neighbourhoods of San Andrés, Carretera de Cádiz and Cruz del Humilladero and the city centre.
First estimates say that approximately a thousand families have been affected to some degree by the freak weather. As well as the damage to buildings and parked vehicles, 35 people had to be re-housed in hotels. Stories range from: "The washing machine flew out of its space and ended up on the interior patio," to "The light nearly fell on top of me and my neighbours had to rescue me." As another San Andrés resident commented: "It's a shame it had to happen in such a humble neighbourhood which is already badly affected by unemployment."
A total of 25 people were treated for cuts and other injuries but today just one of them is still in hospital.
The City Hall has set up four offices to deal with claims for the damage caused by the tornado. Financial help is available depending on the level of damage caused and the Mayor of Malaga Francisco de la Torre has announced that those who do not have insurance policies will receive help from the Civil Protection organisation.
