Barcelona was struck by flash floods Monday as heavy rains swept across Catalonia, disrupting transportation and adding strain to ongoing rescue efforts in Spain, following last week’s devastating storms in Valencia.
Barcelona’s El Prat Airport, the nation’s second largest, saw parts of its terminal submerged, forcing over 80 flight cancellations and delays. Rail services were also suspended as Spain’s meteorological agency issued a red alert for intense rainfall across Catalonia. Footage showed vehicles partially submerged along major highways, reflecting the storm’s sudden impact.
The latest storm follows last week’s intense rainfall in Valencia, which led to the deaths of at least 217 people and left extensive damage. As conditions worsened Monday, rescue teams focused their efforts on locating missing individuals.
“The storm caught many off guard,” a spokesperson for the rescue services said, noting that stranded people had been found in cars on highways and in underground facilities such as garages and tunnels, which are especially challenging for rescue operations.
In Aldaia, a suburb of Valencia, reports suggest business owners and employees are trapped in a mall’s parking garage as floodwaters surged through the area. Rescue teams remain at the scene, working to reach those stranded.
Spain has faced mounting challenges from severe weather events this year, with experts linking the increased frequency and intensity of storms to climate change. Officials have warned residents to avoid non-essential travel and follow updates closely as storms continue to batter the region.
