Emergency services in Murcia were fast responders in mid-October when they carried out two rescues within just five minutes of each other in the mountains of the region. An injured young man and a person caught in the heavy downpour were both found and brought to safety on Saturday, October 17 by first responders, making for a nail-biting, but ultimately successful afternoon.

Two mountain rescues within five minutes: A young hiker injured

The first of the rescues took place approximately 500 metres south of the Eremitorio de la Luz, or the Hermitage of Light, in Santo Ángel. A 26-year-old man suffered an ankle injury, and his companion issued an emergency call to the 112 Emergency Coordination Centre at 2:38pm. The pair had been descending the mountainous area when the young man was injured, rendering him unable to continue the journey.

In response to this situation, officers from the Murcia Local Police, City Council Firefighters, the Guardia Civil, an environmental agent and health personnel from the 061 Emergency and Health Services Management were deployed. Emergency teams managed to locate and assist the injured young man, who was later transferred to the Reina Sofía University General Hospital in Murcia to receive medical attention and determine the extent of his injury.

A second hiker caught in the dangerous rainstorm

As for the second rescue, a person contacted the 112 emergency telephone number after being caught in the heavy rainstorm while in a mountainous area near Pico del Relojero, or Clockmaker’s Peak. The call was initially interrupted due to the storm, making it difficult for first responders to find his location and circumstances. In response, the Emergency Coordination Centre mobilised the Murcia Local Police, City Council Firefighters, an environmental agent and 061 health personnel.

The firefighters reported that the man had been found and rescued by 3:16pm. There was no report of injury or a need for a hospital transfer in this second case.

Murcia and many other regions in Spain battered by rain

The storms in the beginning and through the middle of October swept across many areas of Spain, and in the case of these two hikers, the unstable weather and warnings for heavy rainfall created potentially dangerous situations. Luckily, they had charged phones with them, to be able to contact emergency services.

Recommendations for safer hiking

First responders remind hiking enthusiasts to check the weather before heading to mountainous areas or engaging in outdoor activities. During storms, it is recommended to avoid summits, ridges, isolated trees and other exposed areas. Family members and other loved ones should also be informed of your whereabouts before setting off.

For the first responders in Murcia, the back-to-back emergencies during this stormy afternoon in October were stressful, but ultimately ended in the hikers safe and sound without fatal injury.

The Region of Murcia Food Bank is preparing a new wave of food collections in the municipality of Cartagena and across the region this autumn, calling on residents to volunteer their time and help support people struggling to afford everyday essentials.

Food bank calls for volunteers across the region this autumn

The initiative, called the ‘autumn of solidarity’, comes ahead of Spain’s annual Gran Recogida de Alimentos, one of the country’s largest charitable food collection campaigns. This year, the nationwide drive will take place from November 13 to 15, with food banks across Spain seeking around 80,000 volunteers to help make the collections possible.

How residents can support the national food collection

Volunteers will play a crucial role during these food collection campaigns, helping at participating supermarkets, explaining how shoppers can contribute and receiving donated products. Even a few hours of support can help ensure that more donations reach the people who need them. No previous experience is required to take part in the national campaign, making it an accessible way for newcomers and long-term residents alike to get involved in their local community.

The Region of Murcia Food Bank also relies on volunteers throughout the year. Its work involves receiving, sorting, storing and distributing donated food to organisations supporting vulnerable people. Volunteers can contribute through practical tasks, specialist skills or support for individual campaigns.

Cartagena community efforts deliver thousands of kilogrammes of food

Food banks help charities and community organisations provide essential supplies to households facing financial difficulties. Cartagena has already demonstrated the impact of collective action. A food collection organised by the municipality’s Youth Department in February raised 5,910 kilogrammes of food, with contributions from youth associations and other local groups. The donations went towards vulnerable families and organisations.

Expats encouraged to support local families this autumn

For locals, expatriates, and visitors to the Costa Calida, the campaign offers an opportunity to support the community they call home. Whether by volunteering during a supermarket collection or contributing food, every effort can help local organisations continue their work.

Residents interested in volunteering can find further information through the Region of Murcia Food Bank’s official website, as well as the national food bank federation’s Gran Recogida de Alimentos campaign.

The Region of Murcia is putting its food industry on the international map, with 54 regional companies showcasing their products and latest innovations at SIAL Paris, one of the world’s major food industry exhibitions. The event, which kicked off on Sunday, October 18, offers a glimpse into the products being made in the region that residents and visitors already enjoy in local supermarkets, shops and restaurants.

Murcia takes its food industry to the world stage in Paris exhibition

The 2026 edition of this major tourism and gastronomy exhibition is expected to attract almost 300,000 food industry professionals from more than 100 countries, providing Murcia’s producers with an opportunity to reach new customers and strengthen networking.

From olives to seafood: Showcasing delicious regional products

The selection of more than 50 companies represents the diversity of Murcia’s food sector, with businesses specialising in everything from canned vegetables, olives and pickles to frozen foods, nuts, snacks, spices, seafood, confectionery, drinks and meat products.

For expatriates living on the Costa Calida, this industry is more than an export success story. Many of these products are part of everyday life in Spain, from the olives served with a drink to locally produced preserves, frozen foods and regional sweets found on supermarket shelves. The exhibition also gives producers the chance to present new products and formats, explore changing consumer tastes and develop more sustainable and efficient production methods. 

France remains a major market for regional products

France, where the event takes place, is particularly important to the region’s food industry, accounting for 13.5 per cent of its international sales, according to figures highlighted by the regional government during the exhibition. Between January and July 2026, Murcia’s food industry generated €2.03 billion in exports.

For residents and visitors, the presence at the exhibition is another reminder of the power of the region’s gastronomy. Behind many familiar products are local businesses looking to take Murcia’s delicious flavours well beyond Spain’s borders.