Heavy rains on September ١٧ affected vast areas of Valencia and Catalonia in eastern Spain, creating critical conditions and numerous damages. In the province of Valencia, statistics show that over ٧٠ millimeters of rain were recorded in just half an hour in several municipalities. Local authorities deemed this rainfall accumulation rare and emergency services reported ٤٧٨ cases related to financial damages, 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 submerged 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 ١٢ flights before reopening.
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In Catalonia, more than ٨٥٠ storm-related calls were registered, and over ٥٠٠ incidents were reported, including flooding of roads, 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 ٤٠ kilometers west of Barcelona, rescuers found the body of a man whose car had been 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 rainfall, and a temporary red alert was declared on the Barcelona coast. The Catalonia weather service also warned of severe local downpours. 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, highlighting climate change and its 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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