Spain Floods: Two Missing, Torrential Rain, Warnings in 25 Provinces

Spain Reels from Torrential Floods: Two Missing

Torrential rainfall and severe thunderstorms have unleashed devastating floods across Spain, with the regions of Catalonia and Aragon bearing the brunt of the impact. Tragically, two individuals are currently missing as a result of the deluge.

Government Urges Caution

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has issued a strong appeal to the public, urging everyone to exercise extreme caution and consider avoiding travel due to the perilous conditions.

Widespread Weather Warnings

Weather alerts are in effect across 25 provinces, highlighting the extensive reach of the severe weather. Orange alerts, indicating a high level of risk, have been specifically issued for the provinces of Huesca, Teruel, Barcelona, Zaragoza, Girona, Lleida, Tarragona, and Castellón.

Extreme Rainfall

The Ebro riverbank in Tarazona experienced an astonishing 100mm of rainfall in a single hour, showcasing the intensity of the storms.

Rail Services Disrupted

Renfe, Spain's national rail company, was forced to temporarily suspend its operations across Catalonia due to the flooding, causing significant travel disruptions.

The "Cold Drop" Phenomenon

The extreme weather conditions are attributed to a meteorological phenomenon known as a "cold drop," which involves a mass of cold air descending over the warmer Mediterranean waters.

Past Tragedy

In October of last year, similar flash floods in the Valencia region of Spain resulted in the tragic loss of over 205 lives, underscoring the potential devastation of these weather events.