A relentless storm system that caused havoc in the Valencia region last week and claimed at least 217 lives exacerbated severe flooding in the Spanish city of Barcelona on Monday. As search and rescue operations continued in Valencia, authorities in Catalonia issued a red alert for torrential rain, raising concerns about the densely populated region.
Local media footage showed cars submerged on highways and streets, and parts of El Prat Airport, Spain’s second-largest airport, were flooded, causing over 80 flight cancellations or delays. Heavy rains also suspended commuter rail services across northeastern Catalonia, affecting millions.
⚠️Flood Alert ! Frightening scenes coming out of Barcelona following the devastation witnesed by Valancia !
🆘️ Pray for Barca
🌧️🚨 🇪🇸 Barcelona, Spain faces severe flooding as torrential rains wreak havoc everywhere including the airport and highways !#Barcelona #floods pic.twitter.com/Eqod92Wa2L
— J.S Alerts (@Jinan_Syria) November 4, 2024
The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) warned coastal areas could see up to 8 centimetres of rain, with localized downpours causing variable precipitation levels between neighbouring towns. Residents received emergency alerts on their mobile phones to avoid normally dry areas prone to flooding.
In Valencia, where last week’s storms trapped many in vehicles and underground spaces, search efforts have shifted to locating missing persons in flooded car parks and homes. Authorities are focused on the Bonaire shopping mall in Aldaia, where shoppers and workers may be trapped. Police confirmed no victims in the first 50 inspected vehicles, but the search for more casualties continues in the submerged areas.
A Dana phenomenon, which occurs when warm, moist air collides with colder air to create unstable weather systems, was what caused the flooding in Valencia weather. As recovery efforts unfold, Spanish authorities face public frustration over a perceived lack of timely warnings and support. Tensions escalated when King Felipe VI and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez faced angry protesters during visits to affected areas, prompting a Civil Guard investigation into the chaotic scenes.
In response to the crisis, Spain’s Military Emergencies Unit (UME) has pre-deployed 500 troops to assist with rescue and recovery efforts. General Francisco Javier Marcos stated that more troops would be mobilized as conditions permitted. “We must be disciplined and patient,” he said, emphasizing the challenges posed by ongoing storms.
Valencia authorities extended travel restrictions to facilitate emergency response efforts, cancelled school classes, and urged residents to work from home to reduce congestion and allow unobstructed rescue operations.
As the storm system impacts Spain, experts warn that climate change may be contributing to the increased frequency and severity of such weather events. The implications of these disasters underscore the urgent need for strategies to enhance disaster preparedness and response across affected regions.
Support us to keep independent environmental journalism alive in India.
Keep Reading
Govt shelves elephant census, population drops 20% in 5 years
Wildlife SOS mourns passing of Suzy, 74, oldest rescued Elephant
Asian Elephants display complex mourning rituals similar to humans: study
Asian Elephant populations threatened by rapid ecosystem decline
Follow Ground Report on X, Instagram and Facebook for environmental and underreported stories from the margins. Give us feedback on our email id greport2018@gmail.com.
Don’t forget to Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, Join our community on WhatsApp, and Follow our YouTube Channel for video stories.
