Firefighters in northeastern Spain are actively searching for two individuals reported missing after torrential rains and subsequent flooding in Catalonia. The floods have severely impacted transport services in and around Barcelona, prompting safety concerns from local officials.
The missing persons were last known to be near the Foix River, close to the town of Cubelles, located approximately 50 kilometers from Barcelona. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has issued a warning for residents to exercise “great caution” and avoid unnecessary travel across 10 regions, including parts of northern and eastern Spain that are currently under high alert.
In response to the severe weather conditions, the Military Emergency Unit (UME) has been deployed to assist in affected municipalities in Aragon. The national meteorological agency, Aemet, reported that nearly 10 centimeters of rain fell in just a few hours near Barcelona, leading to extreme weather warnings, with potential rainfall of up to 60 liters per square meter possible in one hour.
In addition to the rescue efforts, transport services faced significant disruptions. The rail company Renfe temporarily suspended services throughout Catalonia, while various roads in Barcelona were blocked, and local hospitals experienced difficulties, with one facility unable to accept patients due to flooding. Notably, a flight bound for the United States had to return to Barcelona after its nose was damaged in a hailstorm.
The current storm follows a historic weather event in October 2024, which resulted in 225 fatalities due to flooding in Valencia, caused by a similar weather phenomenon known as a “cold drop” or DANA, characterized by cold air masses interacting with the warmer Mediterranean waters.
This situation underscores the importance of preparedness and community resilience in facing extreme weather events. Local authorities and emergency services are working diligently to ensure safety and restore normalcy as quickly as possible.