The Spanish city of Barcelona experienced severe flooding on Monday, as search and rescue efforts continue in the wake of devastating floods that struck Valencia last week. The state meteorological agency has issued a red alert for parts of Catalonia due to expected torrential rain. Local reports have shown alarming footage of cars partially submerged on highways.
Flooding has also affected El Prat Airport, Spain’s second-largest airport, resulting in the cancellation or delay of over 80 flights. Rail services have been suspended as authorities work to address the situation.
Last week’s storm in Valencia delivered a year’s worth of rain, tragically leading to at least 217 deaths. Rescuers are now focusing on locating missing individuals trapped in underground car parks and other enclosed spaces where conditions are perilous.
“Rescue operations are particularly difficult in these areas,” stated a local official.
The search for victims continues in locations like a shopping mall car park in Aldaia, where shoppers and workers may be trapped. While police confirmed no victims were found in the first 50 vehicles searched, many vehicles remain submerged deeper within the car park.
Among those lost were a British couple in their 70s, whose family confirmed their tragic deaths occurred days after the floods hit Valencia. Fortunately, reports indicate that there have been no fatalities yet documented in Catalonia.
In response to the crisis, Spain’s interior minister refrained from providing specific numbers regarding those still missing. Outside the Bonaire shopping mall in Aldaia, debris lined the roads while generators tirelessly pumped water from the flooded area.
As rescue operations continue, local authorities have extended travel restrictions for an additional two days to assist emergency services. Classes have been canceled, and residents are encouraged to work from home.
General Francisco Javier Marcos announced that 500 troops had been pre-deployed to Valencia, with an additional 7,800 soldiers expected by Monday evening to provide support alongside 17,000 volunteers.
He emphasized:
“We must be disciplined and we must be patient…pain and emotion mean that’s not easy.”
The recent flooding is attributed to a Dana phenomenon, where warm, moist air collides with cold air, creating instability. The impacts of climate change are believed to exacerbate such weather events, underscoring a pressing need for effective disaster management strategies moving forward.
The aftermath of Wednesday’s Budget announcement is still making headlines. The Financial Times reports that the government’s borrowing costs surged to their highest point this year on Thursday, driven by investor concerns regarding the extra debt linked to the government’s proposals.
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