THE overflowing Ebro river has blocked off an entire neighbourhood in Zaragoza and shut the Z-30 provincial highway, as well as causing floods in Navarra and claiming the life of a shepherd, whose body was found 24 hours after he went missing on Friday.
Authorities and emgency services, accompanied by a military convoy, are attempting to open a road out of the Alfocea district in Aragón's largest city – the fifth-largest in Spain – so residents can get out.
Armed Forces vehicles are running regular transport services to the city centre at 'commuter hours' – 09.00, 13.00, 17.00 and 21.00 today (Sunday) and again over next weekend if necessary, and on weekdays at 07.00, 13.00, 15.00 and 19.00.
The southern half of the neighbourhood nearest the river Ebro has been evacuated, and the Z-30 is down to one lane in Vadorrey, meaning drivers cannot get into the city.
Around 500 hectares (1,236 acres) across Aragón are flooded, and the A-1107 in Pina has been shut due to floods.
A shepherd, aged 37, who was swept away by the river Grío, which runs into the Ebro, in Codos (Zaragoza province) on Thursday was found dead two kilometres away on Friday.
La Rioja and Navarra have also suffered floods and several town and city councils are on stand-by with emergency services ready to act.
