Recent flooding in the Girona region of north-eastern Spain has caused significant disruption, particularly in the town of Cadaqués, where around 30 vehicles were swept away. The heavy rains that began early Friday morning led to torrents of water cascading through the streets, as captured in videos shared by local journalists. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported this time, a stark contrast to the tragic events of the previous week when over 200 individuals lost their lives due to severe flooding across the country.
The flooding in Cadaqués is part of a broader pattern of extreme weather that has recently affected Spain. Following one of the worst floods in Europe this century, officials faced intense scrutiny for their delayed emergency alerts. As Catalonia’s fire service reported, multiple cars became trapped under a bridge, but emergency responders confirmed that no one was injured.
In anticipation of further adverse weather conditions, Catalonia’s meteorological service issued a rain warning for the Alt Emporda area—home to Cadaqués—extending from Friday evening through Saturday afternoon. They cautioned that rainfall could reach 20 mm (0.7 inches) within just 30 minutes.
The situation remains precarious as forecasts suggest more heavy rain could exacerbate existing challenges.
In particular, Cadaqués experienced significant rainfall earlier this month, with 76.8 mm (3 inches) recorded on November 7 and 8 alone. Nearby towns recorded even higher amounts, surpassing 100 mm (4 inches). Aemet, Spain’s weather agency, noted that from October 1 to November 5, rainfall was 72% above normal levels for this period, a trend attributed to climate change.
As recovery efforts continue, authorities are actively searching for individuals reported missing in flooded areas, including a submerged shopping center parking lot. Disturbing footage from El Prat airport shows flooded terminals and highways lined with partially submerged vehicles.
The emotional toll is evident; as residents express their frustration over inadequate government response during these crises, even public figures like the Queen of Spain have been seen visibly affected by the devastation.
Looking ahead, it is crucial for local and national authorities to reassess their emergency preparedness strategies to ensure that such tragedies are prevented in the future. The escalating frequency and intensity of extreme weather events underscore an urgent need for proactive measures against climate change impacts—an issue that can no longer be ignored.
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