Heavy rainfall has led to significant flooding and “extreme danger” warnings in the Barcelona area on Monday, as the storm system responsible for the severe flooding in Valencia lingers over Spain.
Authorities issued alerts to residents, urging them to avoid travel. Messages emphasized the safety of schools, advising parents not to search for their children, and instructing workers to remain at their workplaces.
Flooding was particularly severe in Gava and Castelldefels, where videos showed cars floating on highways. Approximately 50 flights to Barcelona were canceled or delayed, and local rail travel in Catalonia has been suspended.
Spain’s meteorological agency AEMET has issued an “extreme danger” warning for rain, predicting some areas could receive up to 180 liters of rain per square meter in just 24 hours. Barcelona’s airport had already recorded nearly half that amount, with 150 liters falling in just four hours.
In Catalonia, officials are striving to prevent a repeat of the tragedy that struck Valencia last week, where heavy rainfall caused rivers to overflow, turning streets into torrents of mud and debris. The provisional death toll from that disaster stands at 217, although authorities have not provided reliable estimates for those missing.
Rescue teams are still working to recover bodies in Valencia, where underground parking lots remain flooded days later. Humanitarian aid is gradually reaching the affected areas, despite residents expressing frustration over slow response times. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has acknowledged the need for improvement in the state’s response.
On Sunday, Sanchez faced hostility from an angry crowd in the devastated town of Paiporta, alongside the Spanish royal family. The interior minister has stated that investigations are underway into the violence, attributing it to “marginal” and “organized groups.”
To assist flood victims, a large naval ship, Galicia L51, has arrived in Valencia, bringing military equipment and health care support. As of Monday, 7,500 military personnel are working in the affected regions. However, towns remain covered in mud, with many areas still lacking access to clean water and food, raising concerns about potential health issues as time passes.
Defense Minister Margarita Robles stated that the military is prioritizing its efforts, acknowledging that not all areas can be reached and empathizing with the frustrations of residents facing difficult circumstances.
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