Heavy rains on September 17 affected large areas of Valencia and Catalonia in eastern Spain, creating critical conditions and causing multiple damages. In the province of Valencia, statistics show that over 70 millimeters of rain were recorded in just half an hour in several municipalities. Local authorities deemed this rainfall accumulation rare and reported 478 cases related to financial damage, water leaks, and traffic disruptions.
Damages and challenges caused by heavy rains
In Moncada, near Valencia, civil protection forces were busy draining water from a flooded supermarket. Firefighters also dealt with hundreds of calls across the province. Metro services in Valencia were suspended, and the city's airport was closed for several hours, leading to the diversion of 12 flights before reopening.
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In Catalonia, over 850 storm-related calls were registered, and more than 500 incidents reported, including the flooding of streets, submersion of vehicles, and water entering buildings. This situation has also severely impacted the daily lives of citizens, presenting them with new challenges.
Human casualties and weather warnings
Near Olivella, about 40 kilometers west of Barcelona, rescuers found the body of a man whose car was swept away by a raging stream. Catalan firefighters and Mossos d'Esquadra confirmed that he was the driver, and previous reports of a missing woman were corrected.
The Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET) issued warnings for heavy rains, and a temporary red alert was declared on the coasts of Barcelona. The Catalonia weather service also warned of severe local rainfall. Authorities urged people to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from streams and valleys to assist emergency teams in case of a crisis.
These storms occurred after the hottest summer in Spain's history, which itself reflects climate changes and their impacts on weather conditions in the country. Citizens and officials are deeply concerned about the consequences of this situation on their daily lives and urban infrastructure.
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