The beaches of Málaga capital, Guadalmar, Sacaba, La Misericordia, and San Andrés, which had been flying a red flag, now allow access again. The Municipal Water Company (Emasa) confirmed the waters are fit for bathing. The Regional Government of Andalusia has authorized the lifting of the ban, joining Campo de Golf-San Julián and El Palo, which had already reopened.
In Benalmádena, Santa Ana and Las Gaviotas beaches have also lifted their preventive closure. The Health Delegation of the Regional Government of Andalusia recommended the reopening following studies conducted after skin reactions were reported by bathers on Sunday, August 16.
Initial tests ruled out fecal bacteria, but additional samples were sent to determine the biological or chemical origin of the reactions. The Benalmádena City Council will maintain special surveillance.
In Málaga capital, the elevated E. coli levels initially detected were linked to the storm on August 15. Heavy rainfall caused discharges in the sanitation network, leading to spills into the sea, affecting the general network that runs parallel to the coast.
The Beaches Area has carried out cleaning operations to remove debris washed ashore by the storm. The general network, which receives both sewage and rainwater, can discharge into the sea to prevent system collapse and potential sewage flooding in the city during intense rainfall.
