MADRID: Spain is facing the brunt of extreme weather as heavy rains and flash floods struck parts of the country over the weekend, leaving two people missing in Catalonia and prompting weather alerts across 25 provinces. The latest downpour adds to the series of intense weather events sweeping Europe, even as the UK battles a fresh heatwave.
According to DW, the two missing individuals were last seen in the northeastern region of Catalonia, where some of the worst flooding has occurred. In response to the growing threat, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez issued a public appeal for caution, urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel and follow safety guidelines issued by emergency services.
“Closely monitoring the situation in several regions under heavy rain and storm warnings,” Sánchez wrote on X. “Personnel from @UMEgob are already assisting in affected areas of Ribera Alta del Ebro. Please follow civil protection instructions and exercise extreme caution.”
The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) reported that some regions received over 100 mm of rainfall within an hour, including Tarazona in Zaragoza province, which was placed on red alert. AEMET issued severe weather warnings in 25 provinces, with eight—including Huesca, Teruel, Barcelona, Zaragoza, Girona, Lleida, Tarragona, and Castellón—under orange alerts for intense thunderstorms and potential flooding.
The agency also warned that up to 50 litres of rain per square metre could fall across Aragon and Catalonia, significantly increasing the risk of flash floods, overflowing ravines, and travel disruptions.
So far, no fatalities have been reported, but emergency services responded to over 30 flood-related incidents, including submerged roads and vehicles swept away by water. The Spanish rail company Renfe temporarily suspended train services across Catalonia on Saturday as a precaution.
The latest storm has been attributed to a meteorological phenomenon known locally as DANA (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos), or “cold drop,” which occurs when a mass of cold air descends from high altitudes over the warm Mediterranean, causing extreme and sudden rainfall.
Spain is no stranger to deadly floods—just last October, flash floods in Valencia claimed the lives of over 200 people.
As rescue teams remain on high alert, authorities are urging both residents and tourists in affected areas to remain indoors, avoid low-lying areas, and monitor updates from official channels.