Severe Floods in Catalonia Spain Leave Residents Stranded in Vehicles
Severe floods in the Catalonia region of Spain have resulted in numerous residents being stranded in their vehicles. The flooding, attributed to torrential rainfall, has particularly impacted the Tarragona province, where videos circulating on social media show torrents of muddy water inundating the towns of La Ràpita and Santa Bàrbara.
Catalonia Faces Severe Flooding
In response to the crisis, Spain’s national meteorological agency, AEMET, has issued the highest level of red alert for the coastal province. As of now, no reports of casualties have emerged, but the situation remains precarious.
Heavy Rainfall and Safety Warnings
AEMET has predicted that the area may receive up to 180mm (approximately 7 inches) of rain within just 12 hours. Catalonia’s Civil Protection agency has advised residents in the Ebro Delta of Tarragona to remain indoors to ensure their safety.
- Location: Tarragona province, Catalonia
- Rain forecast: 180mm (7 inches) within 12 hours
- Current alert level: Red alert by AEMET
- Emergency advice: Stay indoors
Senior official Cristina Vicente commented on the ongoing threat, stating, “The situation is complicated, and more rain is forecast.” This warning highlights the continuing risk posed by the severe weather conditions.
Disruptions in Transport
Train services from major cities like Barcelona and Valencia, in the neighboring Valencia region, have been temporarily halted along the coastal Mediterranean Corridor. This disruption adds to the challenges faced by those affected by the flooding.
In recent days, several regions across south-eastern Spain, including the Balearic Islands, have endured similar weather challenges, culminating in heavy rains and flooding. Storm Alice, situated in the western Mediterranean, has been the driving force behind these adverse weather patterns.
Emergency services and local authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as efforts are made to assist stranded individuals and mitigate the impact of this severe flooding.
