Authorities in Catalonia, the northeastern region of Spain, report that torrential rains have resulted in individuals becoming trapped within their vehicles due to widespread flooding.
Social media footage depicts powerful torrents of muddy water surging through the towns of La Ràpita and Santa Bàrbara, located in the Tarragona province, displacing objects in their path.
Spain’s national weather agency, AEMET, has issued its highest red alert for the coastal province in response to the extreme weather conditions.
As of now, there have been no reports of fatalities or injuries related to the flooding.
Catalonia’s Civil Protection agency has advised residents in the Ebro Delta region of Tarragona to remain indoors, with AEMET forecasting up to 180mm (7in) of rainfall within a 12-hour period.
Cristina Vicente, a senior official at the agency, stated to La Vanguardia newspaper, “The situation is complicated, and more rain is forecast.”
Train services departing from Barcelona and Valencia, in the adjacent Valencia region, have been temporarily suspended along the predominantly coastal Mediterranean Corridor.
Over the past several days, numerous regions in southeastern Spain, including the Balearic Islands, have experienced severe rainfall and flooding.
The extreme weather conditions are attributed to Storm Alice in the western Mediterranean.
The cyclone, with a name reflecting wind direction, brought strong winds and floods to the eastern coast on Sunday and Monday.
The initiative seeks to support businesses in developing innovative products “essential for safeguarding properties against flooding.”
Tragically, at least 64 individuals have died, and many remain missing following torrential rains triggered by tropical storms.
Vacationers report that AI-powered chatbots are helpful in planning trips, but advise verifying certain details.
The intense rainfall has caused rivers to overflow and trigger landslides, resulting in the destruction of homes and vehicles.