Overview

• A sudden thermal downburst struck Motril, Salobreña and Torrenueva on August 17, driving temperatures to 40.1 ºC and wind gusts up to 86.8 km/h, according to AEMET data.
• The event generated a waterspout and two small tornadoes offshore, sending umbrellas and watercraft adrift within minutes.
• Municipal lifeguards, Salvamento Marítimo, the Guardia Civil maritime service and private boats rescued between five and seven people and evacuated thousands from Costa Tropical beaches.
• Authorities confirmed all rescued bathers are safe and wrapped up search-and-rescue operations by Monday afternoon.
• The Agencia de Emergencias de Andalucía/112 publicly debunked a viral WhatsApp tsunami hoax and stressed the need for rapid local alerts amid unpredictable coastal storms.