Madrid´s Supermarkets Restocking After Storm Filomena Clearout

Madrid´s supermarkets are gradually recovering from the twin effects of Storm Filomena and a run of panic shop buying over the weekend that left shelves empty in many of the capital´s principal outlets.

The heaviest snowfall in 50 years made it impossible for fresh produce to be delivered to the capitals principal distribution centres including Mercamadrid – the country´s biggest wholesale market as roads, train stations and Madrid´s airport were forced to close.

Many of the capital´s supermarkets were unable to open on Saturday and Sunday due to lack of staff – many of whom were not able to make their way to work because of the transport distruption caused by the snowfall.

However the situation has improved with the gradual clearing of the roads and re-opening of train stations.

The Madrid regional government set up an emergency co-ordination committee over the weekend (Asesor del Plan Territorial de Protección Civil ot PLATERCAM) to oversee the delivery of food, medical and energy supplies to the capital.

Mercamadrid and other distribution centres are now operating at near normal capacity with over a 1,000 lorries brought in by convoy, carrying 14 million kilos of fresh produce, according to Madrid Deputy Mayor Begoña Villacís on Monday.

The capital´s main logistical centres in Getafe, Alcalá de Henares, San Fernando, Coslada and Pinto are also reported to be close to returning to their normal delivery schedules.

The main supermarket chains of DIA, EL Corte Ingles, Mercadona and Carrefour are all reporting that their shelves should be restocked as normal within the coming days, though some have reported difficulties in delivering to neighbourhoods where the snow has still not been cleared.

Some supermarkets are now running shuttle services for staff who cannot access public transport.

 

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