The drought that has hit Spain in recent months has led to a notable lowering of the water level in many reservoirs in the country, the Rioja reservoir being Mansilla of the Sierra one of the most affected. Currently, this reservoir is at an alarming level, with only 14,7% of its capacity, a figure that places it at historic lows. This has allowed, somewhat surprisingly, the former inhabitants of the town of Mansilla de la Sierra to walk the streets of their village, which had been submerged since 1960, for the first time in decades.
The effect of drought on the reservoir
Traditionally, the inhabitants of Mansilla de la Sierra enjoyed their reservoir during the summer months, using its waters for recreational bathroom and outdoor activities. However, This year, the drought has prevented these activities. and has provided the opportunity for a unique experience: walking through the remains of the old town, which at the beginning of the 600th century had around 71 inhabitants and was the head of the region, in contrast to the barely XNUMX registered today. For more details on the situation of reservoirs in Spain, see this article on the situation of the reservoirs in 2024.
The low rainfall of recent months and minimal snowfall last winter have caused the reservoir's water level to drop to a point where, for the first time, many of the structures of the town that once stood can be seen, now bathed in history. This gives rise to reflections on the effects of the drought in Spain, where the water situation is increasingly critical. Furthermore, it is crucial to know the alarming drought situation in Spain, which puts many reservoirs like Mansilla at risk. To better understand how the drought affects reservoirs, you can read about .
Memories of a submerged past
The residents of Mansilla de la Sierra over 60 years of age are the ones who carry the memory of the old town, a place beloved by all. Before the construction of the dam, these families had to abandon their homes to make room for the reservoir we know today. Many of these residents now return to the streets of their former homes filled with nostalgia, telling their grandchildren where their old houses were located and sharing memories of the past. In this context, it is important to note the current situation of the reservoir, which profoundly affects these communities.
Although the current situation may seem like a positive event due to the fact that we can visit the town, it is crucial to keep the situation in perspective. severity of the droughtWith a reservoir holding only 14% of its capacity, it is important to recognize that not all of this water is likely usable, indicating a prolonged and severe drought affecting not only the natural environment but also the social and economic life of the region. This distressing reality is reflected in many parts of Spain, where the lack of water compromises crops and the daily lives of entire communities. Therefore, an analysis of the current situation is necessary. desertification in southeastern Spain.
Mansilla de la Sierra: a cultural and tourist legacy
The town of Mansilla de la Sierra, which was a prosperous population center in the past, not only has a story to tell, but has also become a intriguing tourist destinationEvery weekend, visitors from all over Spain and beyond come to the reservoir to explore the village ruins. The church tower and the mill bridge are just a few of the architectural elements that emerge and that visitors can appreciate, in addition to wandering its ancient cobblestone streets. This tourism not only benefits visitors but also contributes to the local economy, as the area's bars and restaurants benefit from the influx of tourists seeking to learn about its past. For a more complete overview of the drought situation in Spain, you can consult .
The mayor of Mansilla de la Sierra, José Manuel Ballesteros, has commented that The resurgence of the town has brought a new tourist attraction to the Siete Villas area, where many stop to take photographs and explore the history that has remained hidden for decades. In light of the history of the reservoir's construction, it's important to highlight that this phenomenon of submerged municipalities is not unique to Mansilla. Throughout Spain, numerous towns faced this unfortunate reality due to the expansion of reservoirs in the 1950s and 1960s.
Story of a flood
The history of Mansilla de la Sierra dates back to the Middle Ages, when it was established as a strategic point in the Najerilla River valley. For centuries, the town's economy was based on the livestock and agriculture, until the construction of the reservoir in the mid-20th century changed the fate of the inhabitants. For a more in-depth analysis of droughts and reservoirs, see This article about reservoirs in Spain, which details the evolution of water infrastructure in the country.
The construction of the Mansilla reservoir began in 1959, and with it the expropriation and eviction of its residents. Many of them chose to emigrate to other locations, including Argentina, in search of new opportunities. The story of their displacement has been captured in books such as "The Voice of the Exiles," which documents the testimonies of those who lived through this ordeal. This phenomenon has left a deep mark on the collective memory, which persists in the accounts of survivors and their descendants.
A recurring phenomenon
Current weather conditions have revealed not only the village of Mansilla, but also other ancient villages in the region that, like Mansilla, were buried by reservoirs built in the 20th century. This phenomenon is particularly common during the autumn months, when droughts become more pronounced. One of the characteristics of this phenomenon is that as the water level drops, the vestiges of civilization emerge, offering a glimpse into a past that many prefer not to forget. As Rubén Esteban, Director General of Environmental Quality and Water Resources for the Government of La Rioja, points out, although current storage figures are lower than in previous years, there are years in which even more severe water shortages have been recorded. It's important to note that water management is crucial, and measures have been taken to ensure that shortages don't negatively impact citizens' daily lives.
The community has adopted initiatives to restore water resources, and it is hoped that, with good weather conditions and renewed rainfall, the reservoir will return to its normal level in the coming months. The hope is that this situation will not be repeated, and that the old town of Mansilla de la Sierra, although it occasionally emerges from the waters, will not be lost to the memory of time.
The lack of rainfall in January 2025 has deepened the water crisis across Spain, where droughts have reached alarming levels. In fact, the rainfall deficit last January in Mallorca was equivalent to seven times the total capacity of some reservoirs. This has fueled concern among farmers who depend on water for their crops, as well as residents who need drinking water. Authorities have emphasized the need for a more efficient management y sustainable water to prevent future water disasters.