The ‘unwelcome surprise’ has been reported in one of the country’s most popular resorts as temperatures hit 40C
Sunseekers in one of Spain’s most beloved destinations are facing an unwelcome shock. Malaga is battling a rat infestation, with the city’s streets and sun-soaked squares becoming overrun by the pests, sparking worries among residents and holidaymakers alike. The number of sightings has surged throughout the city, affecting favourite spots such as Churriana, Haza de Cuevas (Carranque), and Parque de Huelin.
The local population reports unsettling encounters with rodents boldly darting through groups of people and even intimidating children. Maria del Carmen Aguilar told news outlet SUR that she saw rats dashing around park-goers’ feet at Parque de Huelin, revealing: “We are afraid because the rats run between our feet, as happened last week to one of the children (in the Parque de Huelin).”
Experts, quoted by the Express, attribute the rise in rodent numbers to climbing temperatures as a result of the ongoing climate emergency, with Europe experiencing intense heatwaves sending thermometers soaring to the 40C range, thereby heightening public health concerns.
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Adding to the ominous outlook of scorching weather conditions, Hector Tejero from the Spanish Health Ministry highlighted the lethal impact of the heat, cautioning: “The heat is killing 3,000 people a year and it’s going to get worse. But while exposure to extreme heat is going to rise, we can also step up our adaptation to it.”, reports the Mirror.
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Mr Tejero explained: “Although it’s hotter in Spain than it was 20 years ago, fewer people are dying because homes are better adapted, because we have air conditioning, and because people are getting into a culture of dealing with the heat.”
Recognising that rodent infestations are not a unique problem, Malaga city councillor Penelope Gomez stated that these nuisances are prevalent throughout Europe. At a recent council meeting, Gomez reported a significant increase in commitment and funding by the environment department to address the vermin issue, revealing that the budget allocated for rodent eradication had surged from €142,000 to an impressive €400,000.
Local health concerns have been escalated as Francisco Giron, a local representative, observed a worrisome uptick in cockroach populations along with heightened vigilance over mosquitoes transmitting the West Nile virus in Malaga, linked to fatalities in Andalusia. The gravity of the situation concerning rodents and insects prompted Councillor Begona Medina to request additional details from Gomez concerning the mosquito variant spreading the West Nile virus.
