In brief
Search and rescue operations for flood victims are ongoing in Valencia, where at least 217 people lost their lives, as Barcelona grapples with newly issued red alerts for torrential rain. Those affected in Valencia include mistaken victims trapped in underground car parks, highlighting the severe impact of recent weather phenomena fueled by climate change.
The Spanish city of Barcelona was struck by severe flooding on Monday, with emergency services grappling with the aftermath of relentless rain. This comes in the wake of catastrophic flooding that claimed at least 217 lives in the Valencia region last week. The Spanish meteorological authority has issued red alerts for parts of Catalonia as rain continues to pour, submerging vehicles and disrupting air travel.Footage from local media shows cars caught in rising waters on highways, with Barcelona's El Prat Airport reporting significant flooding, resulting in the cancellation and delay of over 80 flights. Rail services were also suspended. Authorities are particularly focused on rescue efforts in underground car parks, where many became trapped during the flash floods.Among the many casualties from the previous week in Valencia was a British couple in their 70s, whose bodies were discovered days later in their submerged vehicle. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported in Catalonia so far. Rescuers have been utilizing drones to assess the situation inside various flooded areas, including the Aldaia shopping mall’s parking garage.The aftermath has sparked public outrage regarding the perceived lack of timely warnings and government support. Protests erupted during a visit by Spain's royal family to the worst-affected areas, resulting in an incident where objects were thrown at them. In response to growing frustration, the Spanish Civil Guard is now investigating the protest's chaotic scenes.As the recovery continues, the Spanish Military Emergencies Unit (UME) has deployed soldiers to assist local authorities, with 7,800 troops arriving to support rescue and recovery efforts. The situation remains dire, with up to 8 centimeters of additional rainfall projected, posing further threats.In Valencia, authorities have extended travel restrictions for two more days to allow emergency services to operate effectively. The situation reflects increasing challenges posed by the climate crisis, as scientists warn that extreme weather events are set to become more frequent.For those in affected regions, local authorities urge safety and caution amidst ongoing recovery efforts.
