Spain (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Severe flooding caused by Storm Alice trapped motorists in their vehicles in northeastern Spain’s Catalonia region, prompting emergency rescues and widespread travel disruption. Authorities have issued the highest red alert, closed roads and rail links, and urged residents to stay indoors amid forecasts of heavy rain.
Torrential Rain Causes Flash Floods Across Catalonia
As reported by the BBC, torrential rainfall driven by Storm Alice caused flash floods in Spain’s northeastern Catalonia region, leaving several people trapped in their vehicles. Footage circulating on social media shows torrents of muddy water surging through towns such as La Ràpita and Santa Bàrbara in Tarragona province, sweeping away cars, debris, and street furniture. Spain’s national meteorological agency, AEMET, issued a red alert, warning that up to 180 millimetres of rain could accumulate within just 12 hours.
Emergency Response and Civil Protection Measures
Catalonia’s Civil Protection agency, reported by La Vanguardia and cited by Cristina Vicente, a senior official, urged residents in the Ebro Delta area to remain indoors given the deteriorating conditions. Vicente emphasised, “The situation is complicated, and more rain is forecast.” Emergency services have been actively rescuing motorists trapped in submerged vehicles, responding to over 2,100 calls related to extreme weather conditions, according to The Independent.
Travel Disruptions and Infrastructure Impact
Train services between Barcelona and Valencia along the Mediterranean Corridor have been suspended indefinitely, affecting thousands of passengers, as noted by Euronews. Several roads, including the AP-7 motorway between Freginals and Ulldecona, have been closed due to flooding. Flooded roads also caused chaos on the tourist island of Ibiza, where the airport experienced flooding and partial closures, forcing cancellation of at least 24 flights as confirmed by Spain’s airport authority AENA and reported by The Independent.
Regional Spread of Severe Weather
Storm Alice has impacted not only Catalonia but also southeastern Spain and the Balearic Islands. Severe rainfall has affected areas including central Majorca with warnings of up to 50mm of rain in a single day. Authorities caution that the saturated ground combined with ongoing precipitation increases the risk of further flash floods and travel disruption, according to Euronews and France24.
No Confirmed Fatalities but Injuries Reported
While there have been no confirmed deaths as of yet, officials report at least 18 injuries, one serious, across affected areas. Evacuations have taken place in cities such as Murcia, where significant flooding has been experienced, according to The Independent and other outlets. Emergency shelters have been established to support displaced residents.
Government and Local Authorities’ Response
Salvador Illa, President of the Generalitat of Catalonia, visited Tortosa to meet with mayors of affected towns as reported by La Vanguardia. Military emergency units have been deployed to assist with drainage, debris clearance, and reopening blocked roads across the flood-hit regions.
Ongoing Forecast and Advisories
Spain’s meteorological authorities maintain severe weather alerts, with AEMET warning of intense rainfall continuing in parts of Valencia and along the Mediterranean coast. Residents and tourists are advised to remain vigilant, and to heed precautionary measures to ensure safety during the persistent adverse weather, as reiterated by Civil Protection officials.