Panic in Spanish tourism hotspot loved by Brits as it's 'overwhelmed' with rats

A rat
-Credit: (Image: (Image: Getty))


Malaga, a Spanish city beloved by Brits for its pristine beaches, warm weather, and rich culture, is currently facing a rodent problem. Residents in parts of the city, including Churriana, Haza de Cuevas (Carranque), and Parque de Huelin, have raised concerns over an uptick in rat sightings and other pests.

María del Carmen Aguilar, representing mothers and grandmothers frequenting Parque de Huelin, told SUR: "We are afraid because the rats run between our feet, as happened last week to one of the children (in the Parque de Huelin)."

The rodent infestation is thought to be linked to the recent spike in temperatures across Europe, which has been hit by severe heatwaves, with some regions seeing temperatures soar into the 40sC. Héctor Tejero, from the Spanish Health Ministry, has highlighted the dangers of the heat, stating: "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."

He added that despite higher temperatures than two decades ago, fewer deaths are occurring due to better-adapted homes, air conditioning, and a growing culture of coping with the heat, the Express reports.

Malaga, in Spain
Malaga, in Spain -Credit:(Image: Getty)

Malaga city councillor, Penélope Gómez, has highlighted that rodent infestations are a problem across Europe. In a council meeting, Gómez announced that the environment department will triple its annual budget for rodent eradication, raising it from 142,000 euros to 400,000 euros (£119,187 to £335,740).

Francisco Girón, a representative of the residents' association of Haza de Cuevas, in Carranque, also noted an increase in cockroaches and expressed concerns about mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus in Malaga. The virus has already resulted in seven fatalities in Andalusia.

Councillor Begoña Medina voiced her concern over the rise in rodents and insects and urged Gómez to provide more information on the mosquito that carries the West Nile virus.