Two Killed as Heavy Flooding Hits Spain’s Catalonia Region

Two people have died and another person remains missing after heavy rain and flooding struck Spain’s northeastern Catalonia region, according to authorities.

Catalan leader Salvador Illa confirmed that a man died after a wall collapsed in Tordera, north of Barcelona. Firefighters also reported a second death in Montornès del Vallès, while emergency services continued searching for a missing person in Pineda de Mar, around 52 kilometres north of Barcelona.

Authorities issued a red alert and urged residents to remain indoors from Saturday evening until Sunday afternoon as forecasters warned that an intense weather system described as a “mini-hurricane” could move inland across Catalonia.

Heavy rainfall caused widespread flooding on Saturday, particularly around Barcelona. Homes were inundated and vehicles were left submerged in areas including Bellvitge and Cornellà. Large pools of water also formed on major roads in Barcelona.

Sarai Sarroca, director of regional weather service Meteocat, said the centre of an exceptional weather system was located over the Mediterranean and could move over land, bringing further heavy rain and potentially dangerous conditions.

Transport and public activities were also disrupted. Local media reported flight cancellations and delays at Barcelona airport, while train services across the region were affected by the flooding.

Several shops closed early as conditions worsened, while scheduled football matches were cancelled. A performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s Aida at Barcelona’s Liceu opera house was also called off.

Emergency services continued responding to flooding and weather-related incidents as authorities monitored conditions and maintained warnings across affected areas.

Source: Reuters