At least two people have died and one person remains missing after torrential rainfall triggered severe flooding across Spain’s northeastern Catalonia region, causing widespread disruption around Barcelona and surrounding communities.
One man was killed after a wall collapsed in Tordera, north of Barcelona, while another person died in Montornès del Vallès. Emergency teams have also been searching for a person reported missing in Pineda de Mar, about 52 kilometres north of Barcelona.
The extreme rainfall flooded homes, submerged vehicles and turned roads into waterways. Authorities issued red-alert warnings and urged residents in affected areas to avoid unnecessary travel and remain indoors while dangerous conditions persisted.
Transport was badly affected. Local train services were disrupted, while flights at Barcelona airport were cancelled or delayed. Sporting events and other public activities were also called off because of the severe weather.
Barcelona experienced exceptionally heavy rainfall, with some locations recording well over 100 litres per square metre. Rivers, including the Besòs, rose to dangerous levels as emergency services responded to hundreds of incidents and carried out rescues.
Authorities continued to warn residents to exercise caution as the severe weather system moved northwards towards Girona.
News as Reported.
